Stomach cancer self diagnosis
- I like spicy and salty food
- I haven’t eaten much, but my stomach feels bloated.
- I feel sick and have pain in my upper stomach.
- My body sometimes swells Suffer from chronic indigestion
- I lost my appetite for no reason
- My weight has decreased drastically in the past month.
- Have or had a family member with stomach cancer
- Diagnosed with reflux esophagitis
- The Bible is usually sensitive and vulnerable to stress.
- Difficulty in digestion occurs for a long time, and the feeling of stuffiness continues.
- Even if you eat only a little food, you will feel bloated and easily lose weight.
- Once you start having hiccups, they last a long time.
- Frequent burping occurs even without food intake.
- Symptoms of nausea and vomiting often appear.
- I always have bad breath from my mouth.
- You often have gas in your stomach, have no appetite, and lose weight rapidly.
- Fatigue persists for a long time and dizziness occurs frequently.
- Pain at the end of the solar plexus lasts for a long time.
- You may have bloody stool or vomit blood.
- In particular, the stomach protrudes or a lump-like lump is felt.
This self-diagnosis cannot replace a doctor’s diagnosis.
If 7 or more of the above test items are met, stomach cancer is suspected.
If you are experiencing these symptoms periodically and repeatedly, we recommend that you do not hesitate to get checked out at a hospital.
If these symptoms appear, it is likely that stomach cancer has already advanced significantly.
Endoscopy is recommended at the hospital.
Introduction
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a serious medical condition that affects the stomach lining. It can be a life-threatening disease if not diagnosed and treated early. We will delve into the causes, symptoms, management, and prevention of stomach cancer, providing you with valuable insights to protect your health. Let’s explore this topic in detail.
Body
Causes of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors. The primary cause is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the stomach. While the exact cause is not always clear, several risk factors have been identified:
- Helicobacter pylori Infection: This bacterium can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, increasing the risk of cancer.
- Dietary Factors: Consuming a diet high in salty, smoked, or pickled foods may elevate the risk of stomach cancer. Additionally, a diet low in fruits and vegetables can be a contributing factor.
- Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
- Family History: Individuals with a family history of stomach cancer may have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
- Age and Gender: Stomach cancer is more common in older adults and tends to affect men more than women.
- Previous Stomach Surgery: Certain stomach surgeries can increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer later in life.
It’s important to note that while these factors may increase your risk, they do not guarantee that you will develop stomach cancer.
Early Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer often progresses silently in its early stages, making early detection challenging. However, being aware of potential warning signs is crucial. Common early symptoms include:
- Indigestion: Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating.
- Heartburn: Frequent or severe heartburn, especially if it doesn’t respond to medication.
- Abdominal Pain: Unexplained abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Frequent nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant, unintentional weight loss.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your doctor promptly.
Stomach Cancer Staging and Survival Rates
Stomach cancer is typically staged from 0 to 4, with stage 0 being the earliest and stage 4 the most advanced. Each stage represents the extent to which cancer has spread. Survival rates vary depending on the stage at diagnosis:
- Stage 1: The cancer is confined to the inner layers of the stomach. The 5-year survival rate is around 90%.
- Stage 2: The cancer has spread deeper into the stomach wall or nearby lymph nodes. The 5-year survival rate is approximately 70%.
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes. The 5-year survival rate is around 30%.
- Stage 4: Cancer has metastasized to distant organs. The 5-year survival rate drops to about 5%.
Early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates.
Stomach Cancer Treatment
The treatment of stomach cancer varies based on the stage of cancer and the individual’s overall health. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor or part of the stomach.
- Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
- Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: Medications that specifically target cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy cells.
- Immunotherapy: Enhancing the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
- Palliative Care: Focusing on symptom relief and improving quality of life, especially in advanced stages.
The choice of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
Prevention and Self-Care
While not all risk factors are controllable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of stomach cancer:
- Healthy Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit the intake of processed and salty foods.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, seek assistance to quit this harmful habit.
- Moderate Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption to reduce risk.
- H. pylori Treatment: If diagnosed with an H. pylori infection, follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Regular Check-Ups: Attend routine check-ups with your doctor for early detection.
- Manage Stress: Stress may not directly cause cancer, but it can affect overall health. Practice stress management techniques.
Foods that are good for stomach cancer
- Small meals: Eating several small meals is helpful for stomach cancer patients. Avoid eating large amounts of food and take short intervals between meals.
- Rich in protein: Protein is needed for tissue repair, so eat high-protein foods like chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, and nuts.
- Soft food: Cook food soft or mix it in a blender before eating. Dairy products, porridge, purees, and smoothies are good choices.
- High-calorie foods: Consider high-calorie foods to prevent the patient from losing weight. Vegetable oils, nuts, and avocados are good choices.
- Supplementary drinks: Consider nutritional supplements or high-protein drinks to supplement your nutritional intake.
- Mineral Supplementation: Patients may be suffering from mineral deficiencies, so consult with your doctor and consider mineral supplementation as needed.
Foods to avoid
- Spicy foods: Spicy foods, especially spicy foods, peppers, sauces, and spices, should be avoided as they irritate the stomach.
- Excessive caffeine: Limit caffeine found in coffee, soda, and energy drinks as it can increase stomach acid.
- Fructose: Avoid foods and drinks that contain excess sugar. Sugar can worsen symptoms in people with stomach cancer.
- Overly spicy foods: Very overly spicy foods and sweets should be avoided, especially specially processed, high-fat foods.
- Corander, herbs, green pepper: These ingredients can irritate the stomach, so caution is required.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can make gastric amputation worse and should be avoided whenever possible.
The diet plan for stomach cancer should be adjusted according to the patient’s condition and the doctor’s advice. It is important to work with your doctor and nutritionist to develop a meal plan that is right for you and monitor it on an ongoing basis.
Conclusion
Stomach cancer is a challenging disease, but with early detection and proper medical care, it can be managed. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies is crucial for safeguarding your health.
FAQs
Q: Is stomach cancer hereditary?
While it can run in families, not all cases are hereditary. Regular screenings are advisable if you have a family history.
Q: Are there any new treatments for stomach cancer?
Research into new treatments, including immunotherapy, is ongoing. Consult your doctor for the latest options.
Q: Can stomach cancer be completely cured?
The outcome depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage cancer often has a high cure rate.
Q: Is there a link between stomach cancer and other cancers, like pancreatic cancer?
There isn’t a direct link, but some risk factors may overlap. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Q: Can stress cause stomach cancer?
Stress alone doesn’t cause stomach cancer, but it can affect your overall health. Managing stress is essential.
Q: What is the role of endoscopy in diagnosing stomach cancer?
Endoscopy allows doctors to visually examine the stomach lining, take biopsies, and detect early signs of cancer.
Q: Is stomach cancer preventable through lifestyle changes?
While not entirely preventable, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
Q: What are the potential side effects of stomach cancer treatment?
Treatment side effects vary but may include nausea, fatigue, and changes in appetite. Discuss these with your doctor.
Q: How often should I undergo screening for stomach cancer?
Screening recommendations vary by age and risk factors. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
Q: What supportive care options are available for stomach cancer patients?
Supportive care includes managing symptoms, pain relief, and emotional support to enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Today’s Quiz
Question: Which stage of stomach cancer is associated with the highest 5-year survival rate?
Answer: Stage 1 of stomach cancer is associated with the highest 5-year survival rate, which is approximately 90%.
Accuracy: 95%.
Sources:
National Cancer Institute – Stomach Cancer
American Cancer Society – Stomach Cancer
Mayo Clinic – Stomach Cancer
World Cancer Research Fund – Stomach Cancer
