One element doctors evaluate while considering your treatment options, is the location of cancer in the stomach. The procedure to remove stomach cancer is frequently part of the treatment. Other therapies may be suggested before and the following surgery.

Causes of Stomach Cancer
Scientists aren’t sure what causes cancer cells in the stomach to develop. However, they are aware of a few factors that might increase your chance of developing the condition. One of these is infection with H. pylori, a common bacterium that causes ulcers. Gastritis, a kind of long-term anaemia called pernicious anaemia, and growths in your stomach called polyps can
all increase your risk of cancer.

Other factors that appear to contribute to the risk include:

● Smoking
● Being overweight or obese
● A diet high in smoked, pickled, or salty foods
● Drinking alcohol regularly
● Stomach surgery for an ulcer
● Blood type(A)
● Epstein-Barr virus infection
● Genetics
● Working with coal, metal, timber, or rubber industries
● Asbestos exposure
● Family history of gastric cancer
● Hereditary factors such as familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome), and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer usually has no early warning signs or symptoms. Sadly, this means that many people are unaware that something is wrong until the disease has progressed.

The following are some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of advanced stomach cancer:

● Nausea and vomiting
● Frequent heartburn
● Loss of appetite, sometimes accompanied by weight loss
● Constant bloating
● Feeling full even from small portions of food
● Bloody stool
● Jaundice
● Excessive fatigue
● Stomach pain, which may be worse after meals

Set up an appointment with your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms that concern you. Your doctor would most likely start by looking at the more prevalent causes of these signs and symptoms.

Prevention and Screening

Prevention
Stomach cancer cannot be prevented on its own. However, you may reduce your chances of getting any cancer by doing the following:

● Maintaining a healthy weight
● Eating a balanced, low-fat diet
● Quitting smoking
● Exercising regularly

Doctors may even prescribe drugs to help reduce the chance of stomach cancer in specific circumstances. This is frequently done for patients who have other illnesses that may have a role in the malignancy.

Screening
Due to the rarity of symptoms in the early stages of stomach cancer, it is frequently not recognized until the illness has progressed. Your doctor will undertake a physical exam to look for any anomalies before making a diagnosis. They may also request a blood test, which may include a check for H. pylori bacteria.

If your doctor suspects you have stomach cancer, you will need to undergo additional diagnostic testing. Diagnostic testing in the stomach and oesophagus seeks suspected tumours and other abnormalities. These tests may involve the following:

● An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
● A biopsy
● Imaging tests, such as CT scans and X-rays

If you get a diagnosis early on, your chances of recovery are improved. Around 30% of stomach cancer patients live for at least five years after being diagnosed. The bulk of these survivors has been diagnosed with localized cancer. This indicates that cancer originated in the stomach. It might be difficult to identify and stage cancer when the cause is unclear. This makes it more difficult to treat the malignancy. Make careful to inform your doctor if your health changes. This will aid them in determining if you require additional screening tests or therapy.