Understanding Stomach Cancer :
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the world. The majority of stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop in the gland cells of the stomach’s lining.
Many times, people refer to the entire region between the hips and chest as the stomach. In medical terms, however, the word ‘stomach’ refers only to the organ that sits in the upper abdomen. After you chew and swallow food, it moves through a hollow tube called the esophagus into the stomach. There, the stomach mixes this food with gastric juices to begin the digestion process.
Types of Stomach Cancer :
Adenocarcinomas
Adenocarcinoma starts in gland cells in the stomach’s mucosal -or inner- layer and grows outward. This is the most common type of stomach cancer. It accounts for 90% of all gastric cancer cases.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Cancer that affects a type of cells (Interstitial cells of Cajal) in the gastrointestinal tract, most often the stomach or small intestine. They are also called gastric sarcomas.
Carcinoid tumors
Carcinoid tumors affect the hormone-producing cells of the stomach. They are also called neuroendocrine tumors.
Risks associated with Stomach Cancer :
More than 60% of these diagnoses will be for people age 65 or older. The five-year survival rate for the disease is 32%. Because its symptoms can be mistaken for less serious problems such as indigestion or heartburn, it is often not found until its advanced stages. This can lead to worse outcomes.
While the rates in general are declining, cancers in the area of the stomach near where it joins the esophagus (the cardia) are increasing.
The causes may include :
Although its exact cause is not known, certain factors seem to increase your risk of developing the disease.
- Age : Most individuals who develop stomach cancer are older than 55, although it can be diagnosed in younger individuals.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the median age at diagnosis is 68 years old.
- Geography: this cancer is more prevalent in Japan, China, Southern and Eastern Europe, and Central and South America than in Northern and Western Africa, South
Central Asia and North America. This may be due to differences in diet, the rate of infection with Helicobacter pylori (a type of bacteria) and the environment.
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori
This type of bacteria is a common cause of ulcers and may cause chronic inflammation in the stomach lining. This sometimes develops into pre-cancerous changes and cancer.
- Exposure to chemicals
People who work around certain chemicals have a higher risk for gastric cancer. These include:
- Obesity
People who are obese have a higher risk of cancer in the part of the stomach nearest the esophagus.
- Tobacco and alcohol abuse
Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol appear to increase the likelihood of cancer in the upper part of the stomach. Some studies have shown that smoking doubles the risk.
- Food preservation and improper food storage and preparation
Eating foods preserved through pickling, salting and drying or that contain nitrates can be a risk factor. Eating foods that have not been stored or prepared correctly is also a risk factor.
- Medical conditions
Having any of the following may increase your risk for stomach cancer:
Family history: In rare cases, stomach cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Additionally, if close relatives have had stomach cancer or have hereditary cancer syndromes such as Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer syndrome (caused by CDH1 mutation), hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, you may be at a higher risk of stomach cancer.
Not everyone with risk factors gets stomach cancer. However, if you have risk factors, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Getting Treatment at ACH Mauritius :
At Aegle Cancer Hospital, you are the focus of some of the world’s leading experts. Your personal team of experts may include oncologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists, as well as specially trained nutritionists, nurses and others. Together, they create a care plan using treatments designed to provide optimum results with the least impact on your body
How can ACH help you?
Stomach cancer surgery is often challenging, and your highest chances for a successful outcome are with a surgeon who has a high degree of experience and skill in these highly-specialized procedures. Our surgeons use the latest techniques to perform a large number of delicate stomach cancer surgeries each year, with outcomes higher than many other cancer centers.
At Aegle Cancer Hospital you’re surrounded by the strength of one of experts, who has all the support and wellness services needed to treat the whole person – not just the disease. Gastric cancer can have a marked impact on your life, and our experts guide you every step of the way to help you cope and adjust.