Stomach Cancer

What is Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs. Stomach cancer causes nearly one million deaths worldwide per year.

What are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Warning signs of stomach cancer may include:

• Indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, or discomfort aggravated by eating.
• Loss of appetite and a bloated feeling after eating small amounts.
• Either diarrhoea or constipation, nausea and vomiting after meals.
• General weakness and fatigue.
• Dark patches in stool, or blood on stool.
• Vomiting blood.

What are the Causes of Stomach Cancer

Quite often, stomach cancer develops at the site of an existing stomach ulcer, although ulcers do not usually cause the disease. While some stomach ulcers turn cancerous, most do not. For stomach cancer to start, something has to make normal cells mutate, or reproduce abnormally.

Dietary factors are said to be a major cause of this type of cancer. The disease is prevalent among people who frequently eat smoked, pickled, salted, and barbecued foods, all of which contain nitrites or other nitrogen compounds which are said to promote cancer.

Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Stomach Cancer

If caught early, stomach cancer is treated surgically. Part or all of the stomach may be removed, along with any surrounding tissue and nearby lymph nodes.

Most cases of stomach cancer are too advanced when finally diagnosed to be cured surgically, but radiation and chemotherapy can often relieve symptoms, slow the disease, and possibly prolong life.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Stomach Cancer

Patients with severe stomach cancer typically experience a great deal of pain. Medication can offer partial relief but there is some other therapies which may also help.

You may wish to investigate acupuncture or activities that promote relaxation such as yoga, massage, or meditation and visualisation.