Cancer Types
Stomach Cancer
Stomach Cancer is basically the cancer of stomach which is the first part of the digestive tract in the abdomen after the food pipe. The ratio of stomach cancer has slightly increased as compared to previous year.
The main causes of stomach cancer are smoked foods, very spicy foods and bacteria called as Helicobacter Pylori.
Risk Factors & Prevention
Factors such as helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, family history of stomach cancer, poor diet (high in smoked, salted, or pickled foods), obesity, previous stomach surgeries, pernicious anemia, long-term stomach inflammation (gastritis) can increase the risk.
Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, treating H. pylori infection, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Screening & Symptoms
Screening:
There is no routine screening test for stomach cancer for the general population. However, individuals with a family history of stomach cancer or certain genetic syndromes may benefit from regular screenings, such as endoscopy or imaging tests.
Symptoms & Signs:
Common symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling full after eating small amounts
- Fatigue
- Blood in the stool or vomiting blood
Diagnosis & Sub-Stages
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of stomach cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests (like CT scans, MRI, or endoscopy), biopsy (taking a tissue sample for examination), and other tests to determine the extent of the cancer.
Sub-types & Stages:
Stomach cancer can be classified into different subtypes based on the type of cells involved and how they look under a microscope. Staging helps determine the extent of cancer spread, which guides treatment decisions.
Treatment Modalities & Coping Treatment:
Treatment Modalities:
Treatment options for stomach cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of cancer, overall health, and individual preferences.
Coping With Treatment:
Coping with stomach cancer treatment can be challenging. Support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals is essential. Strategies such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, joining support groups, and seeking counseling can help cope with the physical and emotional aspects of treatment.
Do's & Don'ts During Treatment
Do's:
- Do follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Do eat a healthy, balanced diet to maintain strength and energy.
- Do stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Don'ts:
- Don't smoke or consume alcohol during treatment.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or support groups.
- Don't neglect self-care activities like exercise and relaxation techniques.
Post Treatment Support, Followup Care and Surveillance :
Post Treatment Support:
After completing treatment, patients may require ongoing support to manage any side effects, monitor for recurrence, and adjust to life after cancer. This may involve regular follow-up appointments, rehabilitation programs, and support groups.
Follow-up Cancer Plan:
A follow-up cancer plan typically includes regular check-ups, imaging tests, and blood tests to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence or complications. It also involves addressing any ongoing side effects or concerns.
Surveillance & Monitoring for Indications for Recurrence:
Regular surveillance and monitoring are essential for detecting any signs of cancer recurrence or complications early. This may involve imaging tests, blood tests, and physical examinations as recommended by healthcare providers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Stomach cancer can be caused due to various reasons like
• Anemia or low hemoglobin
• Difficulty in Swallowing
• Recurrent vomiting after food intake
• Blood vomiting
Stomach can be diagnosed by a procedure called as Endoscopy. The Endoscope is inserted through the mouth and internals of the stomach are visualized.
Treatment mainly consists of surgery in which the entire/part of the stomach is removed along with the Lymphnode which surround the stomach. Then the continuity is re-established with the help of joining the intestine to the food pipe or intestine to the remnant of the stomach.
These operations are now a days very advanced and can be done with minimal access of Laparoscopic surgery and also can be done with the help of Staplers. These staplers are useful in the sense they standardize the suchen and hence prevent complications.
The other treatments in Cancer are Radiation and Chemotherapy which are also given before surgery in some cases to improve the chances of survival Colorectal Cancer is the cancer of large intestine.
While some risk factors for stomach cancer cannot be changed, such as family history, others, like smoking and diet, can be modified to reduce the risk.
Offer emotional support, help with daily tasks, accompany them to appointments, and encourage them to follow their treatment plan.