Stomach Cancer
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, develops from the lining of the stomach. The most prevalent form—adenocarcinoma—is accountable for 90–95% of all cases and develops in the glandular cells that produce mucus and digestive juices. These cancers are also divided into two broad subtypes: intestinal, which tends to form gland-like structures and is often associated with environmental factors; and diffuse, which is more aggressive in character and often associated with genetic mutations.
Stomach Cancer Types
Adenocarcinoma (90–95%)
•Includes intestinal and diffuse types.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
•Arise from the stomach's connective tissue.
Lymphomas
•Cancers involving the immune system, rarely presenting in the lining of the stomach.
Carcinoid Tumors
•Arise from hormone-secreting cells of the stomach.
Stomach Cancer Symptoms
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Frequent or long-lasting indigestion or heartburn that does not improve with over-the-counter medications.
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Feeling unusually full or bloated after eating small amounts of food.
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Persistent nausea or vomiting, sometimes with blood.
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Recurring pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen, often mistaken for ulcers or acid reflux.
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Feeling full quickly after starting to eat, even with small portions.
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Losing weight without trying, often a sign of advanced disease.
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Tiredness caused by anemia or cancer’s effects on the body.
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Abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup, often indicating advanced cancer.
What’s Notable
The fifth most common cancer globally
The fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
In 2022, there were over 1 million new cases and approximately 770,000 deaths.
When to Seek Help
You should seek medical help if you have persistent symptoms such as ongoing indigestion or heartburn that does not improve, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain or discomfort, difficulty swallowing, vomiting (especially if blood is present), black or tarry stools, or abdominal swelling. If these symptoms last more than two to three weeks or worsen, especially in combination, timely evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Stomach Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection
A major cause of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer development.
Diet
Overindulgence in smoked, salted, and pickled food; poor fruit and vegetable consumption.
High Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Heavy smoking and heavy alcohol use can almost double the risk.
Family History and Genetics
Lynch syndrome genetic conditions increase susceptibility.
Chronic Stomach Illnesses
Ulcers, gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and obesity—specifically abdominal obesity.
Exposure in Work Life
Exposure to poisonous substances in coal, metal, and rubber manufacturing.
Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
Step 1: Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Symptoms: stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, weight loss.
Action: Physical exam, medical history review.
Step 2
Endoscopy & Biopsy
Step 3
Imaging Tests
Step 4
Lab Tests & Staging
Step 5
Personalized Treatment Plan
Stomach Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
What it does:
Kills rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body.
Common drugs:
Cisplatin, Fluorouracil (5-FU), Oxaliplatin.
Side effects:
Nausea, fatigue, hair loss, low blood counts.
Targeted Therapy
What it does :
Blocks specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
Common drugs:
Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Ramucirumab.
Side effects:
Fatigue, high blood pressure, bleeding.
Immunotherapy
What it does:
Boosts the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Common drugs:
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda).
Side effects:
Fatigue, skin rash, inflammation of organs.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
What it does:
Delivers high-energy radiation to the stomach area from outside the body.
Treatment duration:
15–30 sessions over 3–6 weeks.
Note:
Often combined with chemotherapy for locally advanced disease.
Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation)
What it does:
Radioactive sources are placed directly in or near the tumor.
Treatment duration:
1–2 sessions over a short period.
Note:
Typically used for palliation in advanced cancer stages.
Gastrectomy
What it does:
Surgical removal of part or all of the stomach. It can be subtotal or total, depending on the cancer's location and extent.
Treated for:
Localized stomach cancer.
Recovery:
4–6 weeks.
Lymph Node Dissection
What it does:
Removal of nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
Treated for:
To assess cancer spread and prevent recurrence.
Recovery:
2–4 weeks.
Palliative Surgery
What it does:
Surgery to relieve symptoms like blockage or bleeding without attempting to cure the cancer.
Treated for:
Advanced-stage cancer with obstruction or bleeding.
Recovery:
Varies based on procedure.
Chemoradiation
Goal:
Shrink tumors and control symptoms.
What it involves:
Combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
Used for:
Locally advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.
Targeted & Immunotherapy
Goal:
Manage recurrence or metastatic disease.
What it involves:
Targeted therapy combined with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Used for:
Late-stage or resistant cases.
Palliative Care
Goal:
Improve quality of life.
Support provided:
Pain relief, symptom management, emotional and spiritual support.
Note:
Can be provided alongside other treatments or at the end of life.
Management & Prevention
Rest and Healing
•Allow your body to recover after treatment, whether surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Gradual Activity
•Begin with light activities and slowly increase your physical exercise as tolerated to restore strength.
Nutrition
•Focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support healing, manage side effects, and maintain energy.
Symptom Management
•Work closely with your healthcare team to address symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or pain.
Seek Support
•Connect with counselors, support groups, or mental health professionals to address anxiety, depression, or stress.
Open Communication
•Share your feelings and experiences with trusted family and friends for emotional support.
Stress Reduction
•Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga to reduce anxiety.
Healthy Habits
•Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and adopt a nutritious diet that helps overall health.
Sleep Hygiene
•Prioritize good sleep habits to aid healing and boost energy levels.
Monitor Symptoms
•Be vigilant about new or worsening symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider.
Why Choose Everhope Stomach Cancer?
New cases of were diagnosed in India
Individuals lost their lives due to stomach cancer.
Most common reason for cancer deaths among men is stomach cancer.
FAQs on Stomach Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Persistent indigestion, bloating after meals, nausea, stomach pain, early fullness, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, black or tarry stools, loss of appetite, and difficulty swallowing.
Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, diets high in smoked or salty foods, family history, and certain genetic conditions.
Diagnosis involves endoscopy, biopsy, imaging tests (CT, PET scans), and blood tests to determine the presence and extent of cancer.
Early-stage stomach cancer is potentially curable with surgery and additional therapies, but advanced cancer has a lower cure rate; treatment focuses on quality of life.
Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy depending on cancer stage and patient health.
Reducing risk involves avoiding smoking, managing Helicobacter pylori infection, eating a healthy diet, and regular medical check-ups if at high risk.
Find a Centre Near You
Gurgaon EBD 65
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurgaon