Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the stomach. It often develops slowly over many years and may go unnoticed in its early stages, making early detection difficult.

The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which begins in the mucus-producing cells of the stomach lining. Other rare types include gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), lymphomas, and carcinoid tumors.

Early stomach cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, common signs include:

• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Difficulty swallowing (especially with tumor near the esophagus)
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
• Bloating after meals
• Fatigue and weakness
• Black, tarry stools due to internal bleeding

Staging helps doctors determine how far the cancer has spread:

• Stage I: Cancer is confined to the stomach lining.
• Stage II: Cancer spreads deeper into stomach layers or nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread through the stomach wall and into more lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones.

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the main treatment options.

The exact cause of stomach cancer is not always known, but several risk factors are linked to its development:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A major risk factor.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Diet high in smoked, pickled, or salty foods.
• Family history of stomach cancer.
• Chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers.
• Obesity and lack of physical activity.
• Previous stomach surgery or polyps.
• Occupational exposure to certain dust, coal, or metal environments.

Lifestyle changes and early screening can help lower the risk of stomach cancer:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce intake of processed, smoked, and salty foods.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise.
• Treat chronic gastritis, ulcers, or H. pylori infections promptly.
• Go for regular screenings if you have a strong family history or other risk factors.

Globally, stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

• Each year, there are over 1 million new cases diagnosed worldwide.
• In India, stomach cancer is more common in southern and northeastern states, accounting for 3–4% of all cancers.
• The overall 5-year survival rate is around 32%, but it rises to 70% when detected early.