A Brief Overview on Stomach Cancer and Its Risk Factors

Also referred to as adenocarcinoma, stomach cancer ideally begins in the mucus-producing cells lining the stomach. These cells may subsequently grow into a tumor. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), each year about 723,000 cancer-related deaths across the globe are caused by stomach cancer. While it is the fifth most common form of cancer in the world, it ranks the third in the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Hence, it is important that people opt for the best cancer treatment in India in case they are diagnosed with the condition.

It is important that people are aware of the symptoms of stomach cancer, so they know how to spot the symptoms when the tumor is at the earliest stage and consult a doctor at once so proper diagnosis and treatments can be carried out at the earliest. Some of the major symptoms of stomach cancer are as follows:

➢ Indigestion

➢ Feeling bloated after eating

➢ Blood in the stool

➢ Vomiting

➢ Weight loss for no reason

➢ Trouble swallowing

➢ Yellowish eyes or skin

➢ Swelling in the stomach

➢ Heartburn

➢ Slight nausea

➢ Loss of appetite

➢ Stomach pain

➢ Constipation or diarrhea

➢ Weakness or feeling of fatigue

While having indigestion or nausea may not simply indicate cancer, it is advisable that people consult their doctor in case these symptoms occur too frequently so any possibilities of such a condition can be ruled out.

Cancer typically develops when a mutation occurs in the DNA of a cell. This mutation causes the cell to both grow and divide at a rapid pace. This cell tends to continue living when a normal cell would die. The rapidly accumulating cancerous cells then form a tumor that ideally invades the nearby structures. The cancer cells can even break off from the tumor to spread to various parts of the body.

While scientists haven’t yet figured out what exactly makes cancerous cells develop in the stomach, they have pointed out a few factors that can expose an individual to the risks of stomach cancer. Some of the risk factors of stomach cancer are as follows:

✓ Smoking

✓ Exposure to asbestos

✓ Stomach surgery for an ulcer

✓ Epstein-Barr virus infection

✓ Certain genetic conditions

✓ Working in coal, metal, timber, or rubber industries

✓ A diet high in smoked, pickled, or salty foods

✓ Being overweight or obese

The treatment of stomach cancer depends on multiple factors, such as the overall health, preferences of the individuals, as well as the severity of the cancer. The treatment types for this condition may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or even certain targeted therapies and drugs that can help stop or slow the spread and growth of cancer cells. The facilities offering the best cancer treatment in India use state-of-the-art technology, infrastructure, and clinical care to treat patients and help with their recovery.

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