November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
With the month of November nearing the holidays, there is a great deal of emphasis on food and nourishment. The enjoyment of eating is shared by many but it can be challenging for some especially for those living without a stomach.
Cancer is a dangerous disease that develops almost anywhere in the body as a result of unregulated and abnormal cellular growth. According to the American Cancer Society, over 26,000 new cases of cancer develop each year. Gastric cancer, commonly known as stomach cancer, accounts for around 1.5 percent of all cancer cases identified in the United States. Although Stomach cancer is currently on the decline in the U.S. still remains as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world.
Awareness is critical when it comes to educating people on what the condition is, how to prevent it and why early detection is critical.
Understanding Stomach Cancer
It's a condition that primarily affects the elderly, with an average diagnostic age of 68. Men (1 in 96) are also more vulnerable than women (1 in 152). The stomach is a large organ that is divided into five divisions to handle the various phases of food digestion. Cancer occurs when cells grow out of control, it can develop in any portion of the stomach and would normally takes years to progress. The most common type is adenocarcinoma which forms in the gland cells of the inner lining of the stomach and accounts for 90-95% of cases.
What are the Symptoms?
Stomach cancer is a slow-growing cancer that might take years to develop. Symptoms of stomach cancer are rare in the early stages, but those who do have them are more likely to have a family history of the disease.
- Unintended weight loss and lack of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Bloated feeling after eating
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in vomit or stool
Although symptoms may be vague in nature, if they persist or are severe, a medical evaluation should be sought. If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help from a digestive health professional as soon as possible.
Risk Factors Associated with Stomach Cancer
Certain patients are more likely to acquire stomach cancer than others. Colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, and pancreatic cancer are all risks associated with this illness. Additional variables that may increase the risk of stomach cancer include:
- A diet high in salted, smoked food and low in fruits and vegetables
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Occupational exposure
- Previous stomach surgery
- Family history of gastric cancer
- Being over the age of 55
- Being male
- Alcohol use
Managing or Treatment of Stomach Cancer
There are various approaches to treating stomach cancer depending on how far advanced it is. The good news is that for localized cancers, the 5-year survival rate for patients is 70%.
- If caught early enough, there is no need for surgery at all, and cancer cells on the inner lining can be removed via an upper endoscopy.
- If the cancer has spread below the top lining, surgery will be necessary, which typically entails removing the afflicted part of the stomach.
There are three primary surgical procedures for removing gastric cancer:
- Total gastrectomy: During this surgical procedure, the entire stomach and surrounding lymph nodes are completely removed, and a new stomach is recreated by the small bowel.
- Subtotal (or partial) gastrectomy: A portion of the stomach is taken out, and the surrounding areas are reconnected. Partial gastrectomy might also include removing surrounding lymph nodes or other tissue.
- Endoscopic mucosal resection: With this surgery, a flexible tube known as an endoscope is used to remove the cancerous area in the stomach.
To eradicate any leftover cancer cells, a combination of radiation treatment and chemotherapy is usually employed. Targeted medication treatment,immunotherapy and palliative care to relieve pain are also the other options to managing stomach cancer.
How to Get Involved with Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
The easiest way to get involved is to be more informed about the condition and in taking part in the conversations on social media. But here are other ways you can do to take part in the awareness efforts:
- Put a face to the disease by sharing personal stories with local, national, and international media outlets.
- Communicate stomach cancer awareness in local communities
- Share stomach cancer awareness and support badges on your social media profiles
- Attend or organize fundraising events
Sources:
https://nostomachforcancer.org/get-involved/stomach-cancer-awareness-month/
https://www.miskawaanhealth.com/cancer/types/stomach/treatment/