What Is Stomach Cancer?
In general, stomach cancer begins in the cells that line the stomach and produce mucus. This type of cancer is called "adenocarcinoma."
During the last decades, cancer rates in the main part of the stomach (body of the stomach) were reduced worldwide. During the same period, it became more frequent to have cancer in the upper part of the stomach (cardias), where it joins the lower end of the swallowing tube (esophagus). This area of the stomach is called "gastroesophageal junction."
Symptom:
The signs and symptoms of gastroesophageal junction cancer and stomach cancer can be the following:
- Fatigue
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Intense and persistent heartburn
- Strong indigestion that is always present
- Constant nausea without apparent cause
- Stomachache
- Constant vomiting
- Involuntary weight loss
When to consult the doctor
If you have signs and symptoms that concern you, schedule a consultation with the doctor. Probably, the doctor, in the first instance, investigates more frequent causes of your signs and symptoms.
Causes:
In general, cancer begins when an error (mutation) occurs in the DNA of a cell. The mutation causes the cell to grow, divide rapidly and continue to live longer than a normal cell. The accumulation of cancer cells forms a tumor that can invade surrounding structures. Cancer cells can break away from the tumor and spread to other parts of the body.
Gastroesophageal junction cancer is related to gastroesophageal reflux disease and, to a lesser extent, to obesity and smoking. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disorder that occurs due to frequent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
There is a strong correlation between a diet with a high content of smoked and salty foods, and stomach cancer located in the main part of the stomach. As the use of the refrigerator to conserve food has increased worldwide, the incidence of stomach cancer has decreased.
Risk Factors:
The main risk factors for cancer of the gastroesophageal junction is the clinical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity.
The factors that increase the risk of stomach cancer in the stomach body are:
- A diet high in smoked and salty foods
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Family history of stomach cancer
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Long-term stomach inflammation
- Pernicious anemia
- Smoking
- Stomach polyps
Prevention:
It is not clear what causes cancer of the gastroesophageal or stomach junction, so there is no way to prevent it. However, you can take measures to reduce the risk of cancer of the gastroesophageal and stomach junctions by making small changes in your daily life. For example, try to do the following:
- Do exercise. Regular exercise is associated with a lower risk of stomach cancer. Try to incorporate physical activity into your routine and practice it most days of the week.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Try adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet every day. Choose from a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Reduce the amount of salty and smoked foods. Limit these foods to protect the stomach.
- Stop smoking. If you smoke, stop doing it. If you don't smoke, don't start doing it now. Smoking increases the risk of stomach cancer, as well as many other types of cancer. Quitting smoking can be very difficult, so ask your doctor for help.
- Ask your doctor about the risk of having gastroesophageal or stomach cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are at an increased risk for stomach or gastroesophageal junction cancer. Together they can plan regular endoscopies to look for signs of stomach cancer.
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