Stomach Cancer And Diet
Doctors think the steady decline of stomach cancer cases in the past several decades is due largely to changes in what we eat:
- Food preservation: We now preserve food through refrigeration, rather than by salting, smoking or pickling.
- Healthy diet: Eating foods with plenty of fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C may also lower your risk for stomach cancer.
- Quitting smoking: Quitting smoking is probably the single best decision you can make for your health. It reduces your risk for many medical problems. It decreases the risk for many cancers, including cancers of the stomach, head and neck, larynx, esophagus, lung, bladder, kidney and pancreas.
How Can You Treat Stomach Cancer
The treatments for stomach cancer vary depending on the type of cancer you have, its location in the body, if it is advanced and your personalized care plan. At The University of Kansas Cancer Center, we offer that may provide new treatment options for stomach cancer.
Possible options include:
- : High-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells, typically done using a machine outside the body.
- : Using one or more drugs to destroy cancer cells by preventing cancer cell growth.
- Surgery: GI surgery is typically a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon removes the tumor, as well as some surrounding healthy tissue to determine the extent of disease.
- Targeted therapy: Treatment that targets the genes, proteins or tissue that supports the cancerous cell growth and survival. Targeted therapy blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells and minimizes damage to healthy cells.
What Health Problems Can Asbestos Cause
If you breathe in the fibers over long periods of time, you increase your risk for diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Smokers are even more affected. Thatâs because cigarette smoke irritates lung passages. This makes it harder for the lungs to remove asbestos fibers.
Mesothelioma. If youâve worked with the substance, shared a home with someone who has, or lived close to an asbestos mine, see your doctor if you have trouble breathing or believe itâs affected your health.
They can do a chest X-ray or a pulmonary function test to see how much air your lungs can hold. A CT scan or biopsy might help them determine whether you have mesothelioma. Thatâs a type of cancer that affects the lining that covers the lungs, chest or abdomen. An early warning sign is fluid buildup around the lungs. Other symptoms include pain around the rib cage, problems breathing, a cough, pain or lumps in the belly, fatigue, and constipation.
People who have this kind of rare cancer were typically exposed to asbestos at work or lived with someone who was. It can take up to 20 years for symptoms to show up. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Middle Age Stomach Fat
Stomach Cancer And Medications
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen, can lower the risk for getting some kinds of stomach cancer. However, they can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Many doctors view aspirin or NSAIDs as an added benefit in preventing cancer if you are taking them for other conditions, such as arthritis. But they do not recommend taking them only to reduce your cancer risk.
Patients Can Enter Clinical Trials Before During Or After Starting Their Cancer Treatment
![Reducing Your Stomach Cancer Risks Reducing Your Stomach Cancer Risks](https://www.stomachguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/reducing-your-stomach-cancer-risks-concierge-medicine.jpeg)
Some clinical trials only include patients who have not yet received treatment. Other trials test treatments for patients whose cancer has not gotten better. There are also clinical trials that test new ways to stop cancer from recurring or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.
Clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country.
Don’t Miss: What Food Makes Your Stomach Feel Better
Choosing To Stop Treatment Or Choosing No Treatment At All
For some people, when treatments have been tried and are no longer controlling the cancer, it could be time to weigh the benefits and risks of continuing to try new treatments. Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.
Some people, especially if the cancer is advanced, might not want to be treated at all. There are many reasons you might decide not to get cancer treatment, but its important to talk to your doctors and you make that decision. Remember that even if you choose not to treat the cancer, you can still get supportive care to help with pain or other symptoms.
There Is An Actual Chart U
There is an actual chart u can look up. When they diagnosed my mom the general surgeon had no idea and said it was gonna be a 4. the oncologist came in and than he had to send the tissues away and stuff for more accuracy. So, I wanted to know. So i looked up PPC. than the staging? I knew exactly what organs it was in and most of the info. So I staged my own mom. Ha. Horrible. I said 3c. Well, at the first oncologist appt my dad asked him what stage? Stage 4? It was funny cuz i was like no dad, it’s more like a 3c. The doctor just looked at me and than said yes, she’s exactly right. It’s amazing how much i have learned about cancer.
You May Like: How To Decrease Gas In Stomach
Can You Treat Stomach Cancer By Changing Your Diet
Using a healthy diet to treat stomach cancer is not enough to cure cancer, but you can talk to your doctor about using it as part of a medical plan to improve your overall health. Those who eat a diet rich in produce like fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains may decrease their risk for stomach cancer. However, some studies show that increasing plant-based foods reduces the risk of fatal stomach cancer in men, but not women. Talk with your healthcare provider about your dietary options.
What To Look Out For
Stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. While it is difficult to detect early, there are still some signs you should look out for. Symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- Abdominal pain
- Low red blood cell count
- Nausea
- Vague discomfort in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Weight loss without trying
It is possible that many of these symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, such as a stomach ulcer or virus. If symptoms persist or get worse, call your health care professional for a visit.
Don’t Miss: What Causes Severe Upper Stomach Pain
How Is Gastric Cancer Staged
The stage of the cancer can be determined after your testing is done. The staging of a cancer describes how much cancer has grown within the stomach as well as if it has spread. This is very important in terms of what treatment is offered to each individual patient. The staging system used to describe gastric tumors is the “TNM system”, as described by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. The TNM systems are used to describe many types of cancers. They have three components
- T-describes the size/location/extent of the “primary” tumor in the stomach.
- N-describes if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
- M-describes if the cancer has spread to other organs .
The T, N, M, are then combined to come up with a stage from 0-IV, with IV being the most advanced. The staging system is very complex. The entire staging system is outlined at the end of this article. Though complicated, the staging system helps healthcare providers determine the extent of the cancer, and in turn, make treatment decisions for your cancer.
What Are The Potential Complications Of Abdominal Cancer
Complications of abdominal cancer are caused by a rapid growth of abnormal cells. These cells can travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other areas of the body, most often the bones, lungs and liver. There they can multiply rapidly and develop new malignant tumors that interfere with normal organ function. Complications of abdominal cancer are serious and life threatening and can include:
- and urinary retention
- Intestinal obstruction and rupture of the intestinal wall
Read Also: How To Lose Weight In Your Stomach In 2 Weeks
There Are Different Types Of Treatment For Patients With Gastric Cancer
Different types of treatments are available for patients with gastric cancer. Some treatments are standard , and some are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.
Five types of standard treatment are used:
Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment of all stages of gastric cancer. The following types of surgery may be used:
- Subtotal gastrectomy: Removal of the part of the stomach that contains cancer, nearby lymph nodes, and parts of other tissues and organs near the tumor. The spleen may be removed. The spleen is an organ in the upper abdomen that filters the blood and removes old blood cells.
- Total gastrectomy: Removal of the entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, and parts of the esophagus, small intestine, and other tissues near the tumor. The spleen may be removed. The esophagus is connected to the small intestine so the patient can continue to eat and swallow.
If the tumor is blocking the stomach but the cancer cannot be completely removed by standard surgery, the following procedures may be used:
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Chemoradiation
Causes Of Stomach Blockage
![Blood In Stool Flu Blood In Stool Flu](https://www.stomachguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/blood-in-stool-flu-stools-item-scaled.jpeg)
There are many possible causes of a blockage in the stomach and some of these conditions are common. However, these common stomach conditions do not always lead to an obstruction. Instead gastric outlet obstruction may occur as an uncommon complication. Some of the other causes can also be serious apart from the blockage that it causes and may even be potentially fatal.
Read more on gastric outlet obstruction.
Don’t Miss: What Helps Relieve Stomach Bloating
Tests That Examine The Stomach And Esophagus Are Used To Diagnose Gastric Cancer
The following tests and procedures may be used:
- Physical exam and health history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patients health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
- Blood chemistry studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual amount of a substance can be a sign of disease.
- Complete blood count : A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following:
- The amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
- The portion of the sample made up of red blood cells.
The Oesophagus And Stomach
The oesophagus and stomach are part of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which is part of the digestive system. The digestive system helps the body break down food and turn it into energy.
The oesophagus is a long, muscular tube. It moves food, fluid and saliva from the mouth and throat to the stomach. A valve at the end of the oesophagus stops acid and food moving from the stomach back into the oesophagus.
The stomach is a hollow, muscular sac, located between the end of the oesophagus and the beginning of the small bowel. The stomach expands to store and help digest food that has been swallowed. It also helps the body absorb some vitamins and minerals.
Juices in the stomach break down food into a thick fluid, which then moves into the small bowel. In the small bowel, nutrients from the broken-down food are absorbed into the bloodstream. The waste matter moves into the large bowel, where fluids are absorbed into the body. The solid waste matter is passed out of the body as a bowel movement.
The oesophageal wall has three layers of tissue and an outer covering known as the adventitia. The stomach wall has four layers of tissue.
Also Check: What Causes Pain In The Top Of Your Stomach
What Causes Abdominal Cancer
Abdominal cancer occurs when old or damaged cells divide and multiply uncontrollably. The underlying cause of this varies depending on the specific form of cancer. For example:
- commonly develops from adenomatous intestinal polyps in the colon that are not removed while still benign.
- Liver cancer is often caused by certain types of , often chronic or C infection or alcoholism. can also be caused by another cancer in the body that spreads to the liver.
- Stomach cancer is linked to significant risk factors but the exact cause is not known.
- Pancreatic cancer is linked to significant risk factors but the exact cause is not known.
- Renal cancer is not linked to a specific risk factor in most cases.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, or cancer of the lining of the inside of the abdomen, is caused by exposure to asbestos.
In addition, metastasis from other areas, such as the ovaries, is a key concern.
How Can I Prevent Stomach Cancer
Treat stomach infections. If you have ulcers from an H. pylori infection, get treatment. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria, and other drugs will heal the sores in the lining of your stomach to cut your risk of cancer.
Eat healthy. Get more fresh fruits and vegetables on your plate every day. Theyâre high in fiber and in some vitamins that can lower your cancer risk. Avoid very salty, pickled, cured, or smoked foods like hot dogs, processed lunch meats, or smoked cheeses. Keep your weight at a healthy level, too. Being overweight or obese can also raise your risk of the disease.
Donât smoke. Your stomach cancer risk doubles if you use tobacco.
Watch aspirin or NSAID use. If you take daily aspirin to prevent heart problems or NSAID drugs for arthritis, talk to your doctor about how these drugs might affect your stomach.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Stomach Hair For Females
How Might H Pylori Infection Decrease The Risk Of Some Cancers But Increase The Risk Of Other Cancers
Although it is not known for certain how H. pylori infection increases the risk of non-cardia gastric cancer, some researchers speculate that the long-term presence of an inflammatory response predisposes cells in the stomach lining to become cancerous. This idea is supported by the finding that increased expression of a single cytokine in the stomach of transgenic mice causes sporadic gastric inflammation and cancer . The increased cell turnover resulting from ongoing cellular damage could increase the likelihood that cells will develop harmful mutations.
One hypothesis that may explain reduced risks of gastric cardia cancer and esophageal adenocarcinoma in H. pylori-infected individuals relates to the decline in stomach acidity that is often seen after decades of H. pyloricolonization. This decline would reduce acid reflux into the esophagus, a major risk factor for adenocarcinomas affecting the upper stomach and esophagus.
What Is Gastric Cancer
Normally, cells in the body will grow and divide to replace old or damaged cells. This growth is highly regulated, and once enough cells are produced to replace the old ones, normal cells will stop dividing. Tumors occur when there is an error in this regulation and cells continue to grow uncontrolled.
Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, is cancer of the stomach. Gastric cancer occurs when cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably and form tumors that can invade normal tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Cancers are described by the types of cells from which they arise. About 90-95% of gastric cancers arise from the lining of the stomach, called adenocarcinoma. There are other cancers that can arise in the stomach, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors , lymphoma, and carcinoid tumors, among others.
Read Also: What Causes Pain On Your Right Side Of Your Stomach
Thinking About Taking Part In A Clinical Trial
Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies that are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures. Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they’re not right for everyone.
If you would like to learn more about clinical trials that might be right for you, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials.
What Is Stomach Cancer
![Best Alcohol For Stomach If There Is Such A Thing! Best Alcohol For Stomach If There Is Such A Thing!](https://www.stomachguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/best-alcohol-for-stomach-if-there-is-such-a-thing-youtube.jpeg)
Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can then spread to other areas of the body. To learn more about cancer and how it starts and spreads, see What Is Cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, begins when cells in the stomach start to grow out of control.
You May Like: What Kind Of Mattress Is Best For Stomach Sleepers