Regarding gastric cancer, most people have heard about it to some extent. The majority of gastric cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. According to data from the World Health Organization, gastric cancer ranked fifth among cancer-related deaths in 2020. It is more common in South America and Asia. Gastric cancer is a disease where malignant (cancerous) cells form in the lining of the stomach. Generally, age, diet, and stomach conditions can increase the risk of developing gastric cancer. But does being diagnosed with gastric cancer really mean walking through the "gate of hell"? Here are five things you must know about gastric cancer.

Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer

Infection with Helicobacter pylori or having certain stomach conditions can increase the risk of gastric cancer, including chronic gastritis, pernicious anemia, gastric polyps, and other diseases. Additionally, consuming too much salted or smoked food, eating fewer fruits and vegetables, eating spoiled food, being older, smoking, and having a family history of the disease can also increase the risk of gastric cancer,

Early Symptoms of Gastric Cancer

Symptoms of gastric cancer include indigestion and discomfort or pain in the stomach. In the early stages of gastric cancer, the following symptoms may appear:

Indigestion, stomach discomfort, bloating, mild nausea, loss of appetite. Symptoms such as heartburn may also occur. In the middle and late stages of gastric cancer, symptoms may include blood in the stool, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, ascites, and difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is generally diagnosed through routine examinations. Commonly used methods include upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the throat into the esophagus to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for abnormal areas. If gastric cancer is detected during the examination, further tests such as CT scans may be performed to more accurately identify the cancer.

Treatment for gastric cancer

When gastric cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are greater. In fact, gastric cancer is often in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. In advanced stages, gastric cancer can generally be treated, but it is rarely curable.

If the cancer cells have not spread, the tumor can be removed through surgery, which is also the best cure for locally advanced gastric cancer patients. If other methods or radiotherapy are used to treat the cancer, the risk of cancer recurrence can also be minimized.