Stomach cancer, which is also called gastric cancer, is a growth of cells that starts in the stomach. The stomach is in the upper middle part of the belly, just below the ribs. The stomach helps to break down and digest food.
Stomach cancer can happen in any part of the stomach. In most of the world, stomach cancers happen in the main part of the stomach. This part is called the stomach body.
Common Symptoms Of Gastric Cancer
Signs and symptoms of gastric cancer may include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Belly pain
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Not feeling hungry when you would expect to be hungry
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
Risk Factors Associated With This
Factors that increase the risk of gastric cancer include:
- Ongoing problems with stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, which is called gastroesophageal reflux disease
- A diet high in salty and smoked foods
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Infection in the stomach caused by a germ called Helicobacter pylori
- Swelling and irritation of the inside of the stomach, which is called gastritis
- Smoking
How To Prevent Stomach Cancer
To lower the risk of stomach cancer, you can:
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try to include fruits and vegetables in your diet each day. Choose a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Reduce the amount of salty and smoked foods you eat. Protect your stomach by limiting these foods.
- Stop smoking. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Smoking increases your risk of gastric cancer and many other types of cancer. Quitting smoking can be very hard, so ask your healthcare provider for help.
- Tell your healthcare provider if stomach cancer runs in your family. People with a strong family history of gastric cancer might have gastric cancer screening.
When To See a Doctor
If you have signs and symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your health care provider. Many conditions can cause symptoms that are like the ones caused by stomach cancer. Your provider might test for those other causes first before testing for stomach cancer.
Gastric cancer treatment is most likely to be successful if the cancer is only in the stomach. The prognosis for people with small stomach cancers is quite good. Many can expect to be cured.