Stomach cancer is cancer that begins in the stomach. It is also referred to as gastric cancer. The stomach is located below the ribs, in the upper part of the abdomen.

There are several types of stomach cancer:

  1. Adenocarcinoma – this is the most common type, accounting for 95% of all cases; it begins in the glands of the stomach, in the stomach lining, the most inner part of the stomach
  2. Squamous cell cancer – this type starts between the gland cells
  3. Stomach lymphoma – very rare, associated to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  4. Gastrointestinal stromal tumour – this tumour develops in the gastrointestinal tract, in the connective tissue
  5. Neuroendocrine tumours grow in hormone producing tissues, in the digestive system; these are also called carcinoid tumours

The last four types of stomach cancers are very rare.

Symptoms

The symptoms of stomach cancer are very similar to other conditions. Therefore, it is more difficult to diagnose in the early stages. The symptoms of early stage stomach cancer are:

  • Poor indigestion
  • frequent burping
  • heartburn
  • bloated stomach even after small amount of food
  • difficulty swallowing
  • stomach pain
  • vomiting (in rare cases in the early stage)

The symptoms of advanced stomach cancer are:

  • fatigue
  • blood in the stool
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • swelling in the stomach
  • anemia
  • jaundice

Causes

The cause of stomach cancer is not exact. So far, diet is associated to stomach cancer, while it is still unknown what triggers the changes in the cells to mutate and grow uncontrollably. These are the possible causes:

  • age – it develops after the age of 55
  • gender – more frequent in men
  • smoking
  • helicobacter pylori – in some people this bacterium may cause stomach ulcers, indigestion, and gastritis
  • diet – pickled vegetables, smoked meat, salted fish, salt
  • family history
  • other type of cancer
  • medical conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency or peptic stomach ulcers
  • stomach surgery

Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing stomach cancer are:

  • Age – more common in people over 55
  • Diet – rich in salted and smoked food and low in fruits and vegetables
  • Helicobacter pylori
  • Family history
  • Smoking
  • Stomach polyps
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Other type of cancer

Prevention

Prevention of stomach cancer may be possible by reducing the possible risks:

  • eating healthy diet, avoiding salted and smoked meat, eating more fruits and vegetables
  • stop smoking
  • regular exercises