How to Detect Stomach Cancer Early?

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells lining the stomach.

The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops from the glandular cells that produce mucus and other secretions. 

Risk factors for stomach cancer include smoking, infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and a diet high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables. 

If stomach cancer is detected early, it is often curable.

You can  jump on :

1. What is the age range for stomach cancer?
2. What are the early warning signs of stomach cancer?
3. Where does it usually start?
4. Different methods to diagnose stomach cancer
5. Treatment and success rate of stomach cancer treatment

Those over the age of 55 are more likely than others to get stomach cancer.

The majority of stomach cancer patients are in their late 60s and 70s when they are diagnosed. Men are more than twice as likely as women to have stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the stomach. The most common symptom of stomach cancer is pain in the upper abdomen.

Other symptoms may include:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling full after small meals
• Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
• Jaundice
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Black coloured stools

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes.

Early detection is key to the successful treatment of stomach cancer

Stomach cancer usually starts in the lining of the stomach.

The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that make up the innermost layer of the stomach lining.

Other types of stomach cancer include :

• Lymphoma :
  This type of cancer starts in the immune cells that are found in the stomach.

• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs):
  These tumours start in the connective tissues of the stomach.

• Carcinoid Tumours:
  These tumours start in the hormone-producing cells of the stomach.

Read More: Is Stomach Tumor Curable?

There are a number of different tests and procedures that have to be used to diagnose stomach cancer, including:

• Upper Endoscopy :

A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth and down the throat to the stomach.

This allows the doctor to examine the lining of the stomach for any abnormal areas.

• Biopsy :

If an abnormal area is found during upper endoscopy, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) can be taken for further testing.

• CT Scan :

A CT scan is a type of X-ray that produces detailed images of the inside of the body.

A CT scan can be used to look for signs of cancer in the stomach.

• MRI :

An MRI uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.

An MRI can be used to look for signs of cancer in the stomach.

• PET Scan :

A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses radioactive glucose to look for cancer cells in the body.

Cancer cells absorb more glucose than normal cells, so they show up as bright spots on the scan.

Read More: Use of CT & PET Scan in Stomach Cancer

There is no single blood test that can detect stomach cancer.

The stomach cancer cells produce several chemicals that can be measured in the blood.

These are called tumour markers. The levels of tumour markers indicate the disease burden.

Serail monitoring of the tumour markers help in tracking response to treatment and identify recurrences early.

Tumour markers in stomach cancer:

• Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) 
• CA 74-2
• CA 125
• CA 19-9

Read More: Can You Get Stomach Cancer At Any Age?

The treatment for stomach cancer will depend on several factors, including the stage of cancer, the location of the tumour, and the patient’s overall health.

Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy depending on the above factors.

The 5-year survival rate for stomach cancer is about 31%. However, the survival rate varies depending on the stage of cancer at diagnosis.

For example,

The 5-year survival rate for stage I stomach cancer is about 65%, while the 5-year survival rate for stage IV stomach cancer is only about 5%.

Treatment for stomach cancer is most successful when the cancer is detected early.

Stomach cancer is a relatively uncommon form of cancer, but it is still important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors.

Early detection is key to the successful treatment of stomach cancer.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to see a doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes.