Stomach Cancer: Comprehensive Guide
Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment play a key role in recovery. Our specialized stomach cancer team is ready to provide you with the latest information, screening recommendations, and treatment options.
Common Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Recognizing symptoms early can lead to better outcomes. Check if you have any of these signs.
Indigestion
Persistent heartburn or discomfort after eating.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying, often in advanced stages.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or weak.
Abdominal Pain
Pain or discomfort in the abdominal area.
Loss of Appetite
Decreased desire to eat.
Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling nauseous or vomiting, especially after eating.
Check Your Symptoms
Understanding Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer occurs when cells in the stomach lining begin to grow uncontrollably. The stomach is a sac-like organ in the upper digestive tract.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, typically begins in the inner lining of the stomach and can spread to deeper layers and other organs. In early stages, this disease often has few or no symptoms at all.
Stomach cancer is classified according to the type of cells where the cancer begins. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type, accounting for about 90-95% of stomach cancer cases. Other types include gastric lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and carcinoid tumors.
The location of the stomach in the upper digestive tract affects food digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall digestive system performance. As the disease progresses, it can spread to adjacent organs such as the esophagus, liver, pancreas, and intestines.
Global Incidence Rate Comparison
| Region | Incidence Rate (per 100,000) | Mortality Rate (per 100,000) | 5-Year Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | 32.1 | 22.0 | 35% |
| Eastern Europe | 17.5 | 12.8 | 28% |
| South America | 13.7 | 9.9 | 25% |
| North America | 7.3 | 3.4 | 32% |
| Northern Europe | 9.2 | 5.8 | 24% |
Stages of Stomach Cancer
Understanding the stages helps guide treatment and prognosis.
Stage 0
Cancer is limited to the inner lining of the stomach.
Stage I
Cancer has spread to deeper layers but not lymph nodes.
Stage II
Cancer may involve lymph nodes.
Stage III
Cancer has spread to nearby organs or more lymph nodes.
Stage IV
Cancer has metastasized to distant organs.
Stomach Cancer Risk Factors
Know your risk factors to tailor your screening plan.
Age and Gender
The risk of stomach cancer increases with age and is more prevalent among men.
- More common after age 50
- Affects men twice as often as women
- Average age at diagnosis - 68 years
Family History and Genetics
Risk increases if you have relatives with stomach cancer.
- Double risk with a first-degree relative
- Genetic syndromes like hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
- Gene mutations like CDH1
Environmental and Geographic Factors
Some geographic regions and environmental factors increase risk.
- Highest rates in Eastern Asia
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Diet high in salt and smoked foods
Prevention Strategies
Adopt these lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
Healthy Diet
Eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce salt and processed foods.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases stomach cancer risk significantly.
Treat Infections
Treating H. pylori infection reduces risk.
Regular Screening
Regular screening for high-risk individuals.
Assess Your Lifestyle
Stomach Cancer Screening
Screening tests can help detect stomach cancer at an early stage when treatment is easier.
Upper Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
During endoscopy, the doctor can carefully examine the stomach lining and identify any abnormalities such as ulcers, inflammation, or tumors. If a suspicious area is observed, the doctor can take tissue samples (biopsy) for further study.
Endoscopy is usually performed under light sedation, and the patient feels minimal discomfort during the procedure. This method is considered the gold standard for diagnosing stomach cancer.
Biopsy and Pathology
Biopsy involves taking small tissue samples from the suspicious area to examine under a microscope.
A pathologist examines the tissue samples for cancer cells, and if positive, determines the type and grade of cancer. This information is crucial for treatment planning.
Biopsy can also confirm the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, which is an important risk factor for stomach cancer development. Treating this infection can reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
Diagnostic Imaging
Various imaging methods are used to assess the extent of cancer spread and determine the disease stage.
CT scan can show stomach wall thickness, local tumor spread, and presence of metastases in lymph nodes or distant organs. PET-CT can identify areas with high metabolism that may indicate cancer.
Endoscopic ultrasound combines endoscopy and ultrasound, allowing detailed examination of stomach wall layers and nearby lymph nodes.
Laboratory Tests
Various blood tests and other body fluids can be useful in diagnosing and monitoring stomach cancer.
Blood tests can show anemia caused by chronic stomach bleeding. Liver function tests are performed when liver metastases are suspected.
Tumor markers, such as CEA and CA19-9, may be elevated in some stomach cancer patients, but they are not recommended for screening the general population. These markers are often used to monitor treatment response and detect disease recurrence.
Stomach Cancer Treatment Options
We know you want excellent treatment outcomes. But goals and priorities differ from person to person.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage stomach cancer. There are different types of surgery depending on the extent of cancer spread.
Learn more about surgical options →Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery or in cases of advanced cancer.
Learn more about chemotherapy →Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Often used with chemotherapy.
Learn more about radiation therapy →Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific changes in cancer cells. These drugs can slow or stop cancer growth.
Learn more about targeted therapy →Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. Used in certain types of stomach cancer.
Learn more about immunotherapy →Palliative Care
Palliative care aims to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in patients with advanced cancer.
Learn more about palliative care →Treatment Comparison by Stage
| Stage | Standard Treatment | 5-Year Survival Rate | New Approaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 0-I | Endoscopic resection or surgery | 68-95% | Minimally invasive surgery, sentinel node biopsy |
| Stage II | Surgery + Chemotherapy | 34-55% | New adjuvant therapy, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy |
| Stage III | Surgery + Chemotherapy ± Radiation Therapy | 9-38% | Immunotherapy combinations, targeted therapy |
| Stage IV | Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy | 5% | Clinical trials, personalized medicine |
Latest Advances in Stomach Cancer Treatment in China
Access the latest stomach cancer treatment methods through medical advances available in China.
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
Leading hospitals in China have developed laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques for stomach cancer, which provide faster recovery, less pain, and better outcomes.
Innovative Combination Immunotherapy
Chinese researchers have developed combination immunotherapy protocols for advanced stomach cancer, showing better treatment outcomes compared to standard therapies.
Molecular Classification and Personalized Treatment
Research centers in China have established comprehensive genomic sequencing panels for stomach cancer, allowing matching of targeted therapies with patient-specific genetic mutations.
Stomach Cancer Clinical Trials in China
Access the latest stomach cancer treatment methods through clinical trials available in China.
New Immunotherapy for Advanced Stomach Cancer
Phase II clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of new immunotherapy in patients with advanced stomach cancer. The study focuses on patients who have not responded to previous treatments.
Recruiting PatientsHER2 Inhibitor Targeted Therapy
Phase III trial investigating the efficacy of HER2 inhibitor targeted therapy in HER2-positive stomach cancer patients. The treatment selectively targets cancer cells expressing HER2.
Recruiting PatientsAdvanced Chemotherapy-Radiation Combination
Phase II study assessing the safety and efficacy of advanced chemotherapy-radiation combination in patients with locally advanced stomach cancer. The study aims to improve outcomes while reducing toxicity.
Recruiting PatientsSurvivor Stories
Hear from patients who overcame stomach cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about stomach cancer.
What are the main causes of stomach cancer?
Main causes include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, high-salt diet, and genetic factors.
Is stomach cancer hereditary?
Yes, certain genetic mutations like CDH1 can increase risk, especially with a family history.
What are the latest stomach cancer treatments in China?
The latest treatments in China include: advanced laparoscopic surgery, combination immunotherapy, HER2-targeted therapy, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Can stomach cancer be prevented?
Yes, risks can be reduced through healthy diet, quitting smoking, treating H. pylori infection, and regular screening for high-risk individuals.
Additional Cancer Resources
Explore more information about different cancer types and their treatments
Scientific References
Evidence-based information from reliable medical sources and latest research.
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Stomach Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2024. Atlanta: American Cancer Society.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2024). NCCN Guidelines for Stomach Cancer Screening and Diagnosis.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Global Stomach Cancer Initiative Implementation Framework.
- Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., Wagle, N. S., & Jemal, A. (2023). Cancer statistics, 2023. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 73(1), 17-48.
- Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology. (2023). CSCO Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Stomach Cancer.
- Zhang, L., et al. (2023). Advanced laparoscopic surgery for stomach cancer: A multi-center study in China. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 27(4), 812-819.
- Wang, J., et al. (2022). Combination immunotherapy for advanced stomach cancer: Outcomes from a Chinese tertiary center. Oncology, 167, 45-52.
Ready to Explore Stomach Cancer Treatment Options?
Contact our specialists to discuss the latest stomach cancer treatment methods available in China, including access to clinical trials and advanced therapies.