Stomach cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In fact, in 2012 the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 21,320 new cases diagnosed and an additional 10,540 deaths from the condition during the year. Most of the individuals will be over 70 years of age. This is likely related to the fact that gastric cancer is difficult to diagnose and goes undetected until major problems set in during the later stages of the condition. It is estimated that one in every 112 individuals will develop gastric cancer, with a slighter higher percentage of those affected being men.
The stomach is located in the upper abdomen between the esophagus and small intestine. When food is swallowed, it enters the stomach through the esophagus. In turn, the stomach churns the food and releases gastric juices to process that food prior to having it enter the small intestine. When cells in the stomach act abnormally and multiply, gastric cancer occurs, with 90% of the cancers detected being adenocarcinomas. This simply implies that the mucosal tissues that line the inside of the stomach are the point from which the problem begins. These abnormal cells have the capability of spreading over time to the stomach wall and even to other tissues and organs.
Symptoms include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, pain or discomfort in the stomach, difficulties swallowing, a feeling of having eaten too much following a small meal, blood in the stool, and vomiting blood. It should be noted, however, that in most instances the symptoms listed are not only the result of cancer but are most commonly from other health issues that must be investigated. A physician can sort things out and order testing.
Risk factors include being over 55 years of age, having a family history of stomach cancer, being male, consuming pickled/smoked/salted foods, being Hispanic or African American, and being diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) which is a bacterial infection.
Diagnosis can be made through a biopsy of stomach tissues, or from testing that commonly includes a barium swallow, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or PET scan. If found, the extent of cancer can fall in to one of five stages from 0 to IV with the first figure indicating the tumor only being in the inner layer of the stomach and the latter being most severe and indicating a spread to other portions of the body.
Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, or a combination of all three. There are several options for the surgery with the appropriate type depending on the extent of cancer found. Chemotherapy and or radiation may be provided prior or after surgery and is aimed toward eradication of the cancer cells growing within the stomach. There are two medications most frequently used for chemotherapy, Fluorouracil otherwise known as 5-FU and cisplatin otherwise known as Platinol.
Survival rate post diagnosis is estimated between 26 and 28%, in large part because of late stage diagnosis and spread of the disease. Those cases detected earlier have a substantially better success rate and prognosis.
Information on clinical trials that remain ongoing and literature are available on the National Cancer Institute’s website. Log on to www.cancer.gov and learn more on this devastating condition.
