Stomach cancer is also known as gastric cancer is cancer that occurs in the stomach. It can affect any part of the stomach. Most stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Some of the symptoms of stomach cancer are loss of appetite, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, black stool, vomiting of blood, stomach pain, and weakness along with weight loss. Certain factors are believed to cause stomach cancer which include family history, helicobacter pylori infection, GERD, frequent exposure to coal and rubber, alcohol addiction, smoking, and a diet high in smoked and pickled foods.

Stomach cancer is usually diagnosed with the help of upper endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, MRI and CT scan, blood test, and laparoscopy. PET scan is used to find the spread of cancer throughout the body.

Treatment depends on the spread of cancer and your underlying health conditions. Surgical procedures include gastrectomy and upper endoscopy.

Other forms of treatment are chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.

Stomach cancer can be prevented by

• Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants.
• Avoiding processed meats.
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption.
• Avoiding smoking and tobacco products
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Stomach cancer can be cured if diagnosed at the early stages.

Stomach cancer can be cured if diagnosed at the early stages.