Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer begins in the stomach, a major organ in the abdomen that works as part of the digestive system.
About Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer develops when cells in the stomach tissue become abnormal and divide and duplicate out of control. The disease can begin in any of the several layers of tissue that make up the stomach. Most stomach cancers begin in the inner lining where gastric acids and juices are made to break down food. This type of stomach cancer is called adenocarcinoma.
Stomach cancer is usually slow-growing. It can grow through the walls of the stomach and invade surrounding tissues and organs. It may also enter the lymphatic system or the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
Who’s at Risk?
More than 24,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year. Most of those diagnosed are in their late 60s or early 70s. The disease is also more common in men.
Risk Factors
The following risk factors are known to increase the chance of developing stomach cancer:
- H. Pylori infection: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a stomach bacteria that can cause inflammation and changes to the cells in the inner lining of the stomach that may lead to cancer.
- Family history: Relatives who have stomach cancer. A known gene mutation can also increase the risk.
- Personal history: Those who have had certain types of stomach surgery, long-term inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) or pernicious anemia (a type of blood disease).
- Diet: Eating high levels of smoked, salted or pickled foods.
- Smoking cigarettes
Treatment
In early stage stomach cancer, gastric surgery is often the only treatment necessary. All or part of the stomach may be removed in an operation called a gastrectomy. For more advanced cancers, various forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be part of the treatment plan.
Some information on this page is provided by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.