Source: Health Promotion Board, Singapore
Cancer of the stomach is the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh most common cancer in women in Singapore.
Stomach cancer is readily treatable when diagnosed early.
The good news is that you can reduce your risk of stomach cancer by making a few changes in your lifestyle.
Types of stomach cancer
- Adenocarcinomas. Commonest type of cancer arising from the glandular cells in the stomach lining.
- Lymphomas. These arise from the lymphatic tissue (immune related tissues) in the stomach wall and are associated with H.Pylori infection.
- Carcinoid tumours are cancers arising from various hormone producing cells in the stomach lining.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours which arise from certain specialised cells in the nerve supply of the stomach.
Risk factors
Various risk factors for stomach cancer include:
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen based chemicals that are added to certain foods such as ham and bacon, hot dogs and deli meats.
- Red meats and salted, pickled or smoked foods
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Males have double the rate of stomach cancer compared to women
- Stomach polyps
- Previous stomach surgery
- Family History
- Pernicious anaemia
Signs & symptoms
Early signs of stomach cancer are bleeding which is usually detected by tests that check for blood in stool.
Other symptoms include:
- Abdominal discomfort aggravated by eating or feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Heartburn
- Black, tarry stools
- Vomiting blood or after meals
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
Screening & diagnosis
Simple diagnostic tests include:
- Upper gastrointestinal Endoscopy. A thin lighted, flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth into your food pipe and stomach.
- Barium meal X-ray is done after the patient consumes a thick liquid (barium) which coats the lining of the food pipe, stomach and the first part of your intestine.
- CT Scan (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) tests.
Treatment
Stomach cancer treatment options include:
- Surgery involves removal of part (subtotal or partial gastrectomy) or all (total gastrectomy) of the stomach.
- Chemotherapy involves the use of cancer drugs which will kill the cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy involves the use of high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
Prevention
If you are at high risk of developing stomach cancer, you may reduce your risk by taking a few measures which include:
- Avoid foods such as processed meats which have a high content of nitrates and nitrites such corned beef.
- Reduce your intake of smoked, pickled and heavily salted foods.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
- If you have symptoms of an ulcer or have been diagnosed with H. Pylori infection, you should see a doctor for treatment of the symptoms and eradication of the infection.
Source: Health Promotion Board, Singapore
www.hpb.com.sg
