Stomach cancer is a cancer which develops due to some cell changes in the lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer is also called the gastric cancer - this is because this cancer produces various stomach aches and gastric dysfunctions. As opposed to ulcer, the cancer has an irregular and progressive character, meaning that the pains occur without any explanation and they tend to intensify, in case the patient does not take any measures.

The Most Frequent Symptoms of the Stomach Cancer

The most frequent symptoms of the stomach cancer are: sudden weight loss, loss of appetite (patients do not want or like to consume meat anymore), nausea, vomiting, black or very dark stools, painful defecation, various stomach pains that differ in intensity (from the diffuse one till acute cramps), smarting pains, eating difficulties and indigestions. Each patient tends to have a different set of symptoms than another one. Furthermore, the symptoms of the stomach cancer can resemble with the symptoms of various digestive illnesses, so consulting a doctor in order to get the right diagnosis is essential.

The Main Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer

The most important factors that can lead to this type of cancer are the unhealthy nutrition and the consumption of alcohol. Regarding the alimentation, studies show the fact that most patients that developed stomach cancer had an alimentation full of fats, fried meat, fried fats and other similar foods. Also, these patients did not consume enough dairy products and vitamins (nutrients which protect the organism against cancer). Fats cause various disorders of the gastric secretion and the lack of milk accentuates the undesirable action of this secretion. In fact, this type of alimentation leads to obesity, which is a major risk factor in various types of medical affections. Also, aliments like smoked meats and pickles facilitate the occurrence of the stomach cancer.

Added to these factors, alcoholism is another important cause that can lead to this type of cancer (almost 45% of the stomach cancer patients consumed exaggerate amounts of alcohol). Smoking is a serious risk factor in many conditions and in the case of stomach cancer, the studies show that around 90% of the patients are active smokers. The stomach cancer also depends on age and gender: usually, most patients are in their elder years – around 60-80 years old and most of them are men. Previous surgeries increase the risk to stomach cancer and as well, the presence of certain viruses can lead to a further cancer.

The Available Treatment for Stomach Cancer

The treatment for stomach cancer includes three main directions: surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery might be of two main types: surgery to remove the cancer (in this case, a part or all the stomach is removed) or surgery to reduce the symptoms. Radiotherapy is used in some cases of stomach cancer – this treatment uses rays to destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used in advanced stages of stomach cancer, in order to avoid its further spreading.

Generally, these treatments are applied considering a series of distinctive factors. Among these, the most important ones are: age, general health, medical condition and history, the stage of the cancer and the tolerance to various medications and treatments.

Of course, the correct alimentation is a great element in the treatment of stomach cancer. Basically, the alimentation has to be focused on various vitamins and minerals, together with proteins and unprocessed carbs. Also, the patients have to reduce the consumption of fats and avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. If all these precaution methods are taking into consideration, then the dealing with stomach cancer will not seem as difficult.