Stomach Cancer
by Dalton Capps
What is cancer?
Cancer is a rapid growth in cell division caused by carcinogens. Cells become more abnormal causing cells that should go through apoptosis or cell death to survive. New cells also form when they are not needed and cause growths called tumors.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer starts when the cancer cells form in the inner lining of the stomach. The cell can eventually grow into tumor. It can also be known as gastric cancer, the cancer usually grows slowly over the years.
What causes Stomach Cancer?
- Age- Stomach Cancer usually occurs in people over 55
- Bacteria- A bacterium called Helicobacter Pylori, causes stomach inflammation and ulcers which can lead to Stomach Cancer
- Diet- Eating food with high amounts of sodium can cause a higher risk of Stomach Cancer
- Tobacco & Alcohol- The use of tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of Stomach Cancer
What are symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
Early Stomach Cancer
- Indigestion or Heartburn
- Diarrhea or Constipation
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Vomiting Blood
- Unexplained weight loss
What are the treatments?
- Surgery- Have the tumor removed from your stomach
- Radiation Therapy- Destroy cancer cells with high-energy x-rays
- Chemotherapy- Use medicine to stop the growth of cancer cells
- Targeted Therapy- Target the cancer specific genes and kill them, and can also cause damage to healthy cells
What is the survival rate for people with Stomach Cancer?
The survival rate for people who's cancer has not spread to the outside of the stomach is 64%. For people where the cancer has spread to their organs is 29%. The rate for people who's cancer has spread to other parts besides the stomach is 4%.