Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that initiates in the stomach. This cancer occurs when there is a mutation in the cells. This mutation can cause the cells to quickly grow and divide while continuing to live. These cancerous cells then begin to form a tumor in the stomach and invade other nearby organs in the body. Eventually, the cells make their way throughout the body, bringing cancer with them. Since the cancer begins in the stomach, it is affected the most. There are many symptoms that come with this type of cancer, such as: fatigue, feeling bloated after eating, feeling full after eating small amounts of food, serve heartburn, severe indigestion, unexplained and persistent nausea, stomach pain, constant vomiting, and unintentional weight loss.
There are many things that can cause stomach cancer. Most of these causes are based on health factors. One possible cause is an unhealthy diet. Eating salty and smoked foods can be very unhealthy. Also, having a diet low in fruits and vegetables can lead to stomach cancer. Other causes of stomach cancer are smoking, infection with the Helicobacter pylori, pernicious amenia, and stomach polyps. Stomach cancer can also be inherited from a relative. There are also many ways to possibly prevent the body from developing cancer. Exercising, having a healthy diet, giving up smoking, and asking your doctor about your risks are all ways that people can try to prevent themselves from getting cancer.
There are multiple ways to treat stomach cancer. The first way is through surgery. The surgery can be to remove tumors from the lining of the stomach, remove some or all the stomach, or to remove the lymph nodes in search of cancer. The second way is through therapies such as, radiation therapy and chemotherapy to kill off the cancer cells. The third option is through targeted drugs. These drugs are used to advise the body’s immune system to execute the cancer cells.
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In order to be diagnosed with stomach cancer, doctors often use tests on the patients. There are a small variety of tests that can diagnose stomach cancer. One procedure used is called an upper endoscopy. This is where a thin, tiny camera goes down the throat and into the stomach. While doing this, the doctor will be on the lookout for any signs of stomach cancer. Another form of diagnosis tests are imaging tests. These tests include computerized tomography (CT) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) tests.
Studies show that certain types of people are more prone to developing stomach cancer than others. Stomach cancer is typically common in people who are fifty-five years or older. In fact, every six in ten people over the age of sixty-five.These people are generally males. Stomach cancer is more common in African-Americans than Caucasians. This cancer is also common in people who are obese or smoke cigarettes.
Overall, I’ve learned that stomach cancer is a dangerous disease that can affect many people. It is one of the top five most common cancers in the world. Furthermore, it is the second leading cause of deaths due to cancer.
Works Cited
- “Stomach Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 May 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352438.
- “Stomach Cancer Risk Factors: Age, Gender, Obesity, Others | CTCA.” CancerCenter.com, 1 Jan. 1AD, www.cancercenter.com/stomach-cancer/risk-factors/.
