Common Questions About Gastric Cancer and Its Risks

This article explores common questions about gastric cancer, including its types, risk factors, treatment options, and prevention strategies. It emphasizes early detection challenges and lifestyle choices that can reduce risk. Understanding these aspects helps in awareness and proactive health management for stomach cancer.

Common Questions About Gastric Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Cancer

Gaining insight into stomach cancer is important because it often develops gradually and shows few early signs. The precancerous changes occur in the stomach lining before malignant development. Since early symptoms are rare, diagnosis can be delayed. Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, differs from other abdominal cancers like liver or colon cancer. When it spreads beyond the stomach, it is classified as stage IV or metastatic cancer.

What are the main types of stomach cancer?

There are four primary forms:

Adenocarcinoma - Making up around 90-95% of cases, this cancer originates from the inner stomach lining cells.

Lymphoma - Arising from immune system tissues, it can sometimes occur in the stomach, with treatment outcomes depending on the lymphoma type.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) - These rare tumors develop in the stomach’s wall, specifically in interstitial cells of Cajal, and vary in malignancy.

Carcinoid Tumors - These tumors originate from hormone-producing cells and usually do not metastasize.

What increases the risk of advanced stomach cancer?

Age - Most diagnoses occur in individuals over 55, particularly in their 60s and 70s.

Gender - Men are at higher risk, with about a 50% increased chance compared to women.

Family history - A genetic predisposition can elevate risk, especially with a family history of stomach cancer or inherited disorders.

Obesity - Carrying excess weight heightens the likelihood of developing the disease.

What treatment options are available for metastatic gastric cancer?

In cases where cancer has spread beyond the stomach, curative treatment is often not feasible. The primary goals shift to prolonging life and alleviating symptoms.

The main approach is palliative care, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to improve quality of life and symptom control.

Surgery is seldom used, mainly to relieve symptoms rather than cure the disease.

How can one reduce the risk of advanced gastric cancer?

While some risk factors are uncontrollable, lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference:

Maintain a healthy weight - Prevents obesity-related risks that contribute to cancer development.

Healthy diet - Limiting salty, preserved foods and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables can lower risk.

Avoid tobacco - Smoking increases the chance of stomach and other cancers, especially in the upper stomach region.