Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) develops in stomach mucosa. 4th leading cause of cancer deaths global (1.1M cases 2020, 66% males, age >45).
Risk Factors & Symptoms
Risk factors: Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, obesity, alcohol, pernicious anemia, salty/smoked/pickled food diet.
Symptoms: Poor appetite, weight loss, belly pain above navel, early satiety, heartburn/indigestion, nausea/vomiting with/without blood, dark stool, anemia, jaundice.
Staging & Gastrectomy Surgery
Staging: Stage 1A/1B (mucosa/submucosa) to Stage 4 (distant metastasis to liver/lungs/peritoneum).
Diagnostics: Endoscopy (EGD), Biopsy, Blood tests, FOBT stool test.
Treatment: Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR for early stage), Partial or Total Gastrectomy surgery, Endoluminal stent placement, Gastrojejunostomy, Radiation, Chemotherapy.
Diet: Small digestible meals, avocados, nut butter, olive oil, broths; avoid salty/smoked/spicy/fatty foods, red meat, added sugar, alcohol.