Also known as gastric cancer, stomach cancer is a type of tumor that affects the lining within the stomach. According to evidence-based medical sources, 90% of stomach cancers develop where the esophagus meets the stomach. The National Organization for Rare Diseases states that gastric cancer affects more than one million people each year. The disease is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and seventh in women. In the United States alone, stomach cancer affects approximately 29,000 people every year. Most individuals affected by this disease are above 50, many ranging between 60 and 65. In the 20th century, gastric cancer was the leading cause of death, but the rate declined recently due to improved medical procedures for treatment.

Pylori Bacterial Infections

The Pylori bacteria causes stomach ulcers. When the ulcers intensify or go untreated, they can develop into stomach cancer. People with an already existing gastric ulcer are more likely to develop gastric cancer than healthy individuals.

Gender

According to evidence-based medical sources, stomach cancer is more common in men than women.

Age

Most people that develop gastric cancer are seniors, with ages between 60 and 65. However, the disease can also affect younger people due to lifestyle habits and underlying medical conditions.

Other Existing Tumors

Individuals with tumors in other parts of the body are at a higher risk of developing gastric cancer than healthy individuals. This is because those tumors can metastasize and reach the lining of the stomach.

a middle age woman holding shopping bags and a plant

Other Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Menetrier disease
• Salty food diet
• A family history of gastric cancer

The Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

  • Loss of appetite: As the tumor grows, the body releases hormones that interfere with the body’s perception of hunger.
  • Anemia: Gastric cancer results in sores in the lining of the stomach. This causes bleeding, thus increasing the chances of developing anemia.
  • Blood in stool: Due to bleeding in the stomach lining, an individual with this tumor will have blood in the stool.
  • Vomiting: Cancer in the abdominal area causes blockages in the bowels. Therefore, waste passes through the bowels with difficulty. For that reason, one feels full even without eating, thus the feeling of nausea and vomiting.
  • Inflammation of the abdomen: People with gastric cancer will have inflamed abdomens due to bowel disruptions and sores in the stomach lining.
  • Pain and discomfort: Stomach cancer begins as a sore within the lining of a part of the digestive tract. This causes pain while bowel disruption causes discomfort.
  • Jaundice: This happens when the tumor spreads to the liver.

If you would like to set up an appointment to discuss stomach cancer further, reach out to us at WFMC Health. We also offer telehealth appointments.

Do you have more questions about staying healthy in Salem, Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!

This post was first published on wfmchealth.org.