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Stomach Cancer
Who is at risk of getting stomach cancer?
Your chances of getting stomach cancer are higher if you have had a stomach infection caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. You are also more likely to get stomach cancer if you:

  • Are a man.
  • Are older than 50 years of age.
  • Have several close relatives who have had stomach cancer.
  • Smoke cigarettes.
  • Abuse alcohol.
  • Eat a lot of pickled or salty foods.
  • Are an African American, Hispanic American, Asian American or Pacific Islander.

What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
Sometimes cancer can grow in the stomach for a long time before it causes symptoms. In the early stages, stomach cancer can cause the following symptoms:

  • Indigestion, stomach discomfort or heartburn
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Feeling tired

When the cancer is larger, it can cause the following symptoms:

  • Blood in your stool
  • A bloated feeling after eating
  • Vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Stomach pain

Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. However, if you have any of these problems and they don’t go away, talk with your doctor. The earlier stomach cancer is found, the better the chances are that it can be cured.

How is stomach cancer treated?
Treatment for stomach cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. The choice of treatment depends on whether the cancer is just in the stomach or if it has spread to other places in the body. A person’s age and overall health will also affect the choice of treatment.

 

  
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