“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the stomach. It is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and is more common in older adults.
The exact causes of gastric cancer are not fully understood, but risk factors may include a diet high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods, a family history of gastric cancer, chronic gastritis, and infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
Symptoms of gastric cancer may include abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In later stages, symptoms may include vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and blood in the stool.
Diagnosis of gastric cancer may involve imaging tests such as CT scans, endoscopy with biopsy, and blood tests to assess the function of the liver and kidneys.
Treatment for gastric cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Palliative care may also be used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced or terminal cancer.
Prevention of gastric cancer involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet that is low in salt and high in fruits and vegetables, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Treatment of H. pylori infection and early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions or early-stage cancer can also reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer.