Most cancers of the stomach are adenocarcinomas. These cancers develop from the gland cells in the innermost lining of the stomach.
Below are a series of statistics on stomach cancer to indicate how common the condition is and possible figures related to its treatment.
Below you can find information on other types of cancer screenings that you might be interested in.
Cancer of the bladder
The fourth most common cancer in men and the twelfth most common cancer in women.
Cancer of the breast
Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts and can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women.
Cancer of the cervix
If detected early, cancer of the cervix can be one of the most successfully treatable cancers...
Cancer of the rectum or colon
Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.
Cancerous tumours of the soft tissues
A broad term for cancers that start in soft tissues like muscle, tendons, fat, lymph and blood vessels, and nerves.
Cancer of the throat
A fast-growing cancer; therefore early treatment is key to having a good quality of life.
Caner of the lung
People who smoke are at a greater risk of getting lung cancer, though lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked.
A type of skin cancer
The primary known cause of melanoma, as well as all other types of skin cancer, is exposure to ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight.
Cancer of lymphocytes
Lymphoma can be divided broadly into 2 types of lymphoma: Hodgkins Lymphoma or Hodgkins Disease (HD) and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL).
Cancer of the head and neck
These cancers, that could include oesophageal cancer, usually begin in the cells that line the moist surfaces (mucosal membranes) inside the...
Cancer of the ovary
Recent evidence suggests that many ovarian cancers may actually start in the cells in the far end of the fallopian...
Cancer of the prostate gland
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. The lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men in South Africa, is 1 in 18.
Also known as gastric cancer
Cancer of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland makes hormones that help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
Cancer of the uterus or womb
Most uterine cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining (endometrium) of the uterus.
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, begins when cells in the lining of the stomach start to grow out of control.
Most cancers of the stomach (about 90% to 95%) are adenocarcinomas. These cancers develop from the gland cells in the innermost lining of the stomach (the mucosa).
If you are told you have stomach cancer (or gastric cancer), it will almost always be an adenocarcinoma. There are 2 main types of stomach adenocarcinomas:
The intestinal type tends to have a slightly better prognosis. The cancer cells are more likely to have certain gene changes that might allow for treatment with targeted drug therapy.
The diffuse type tends to grow and spread more quickly. It is less common than the intestinal type, and it tends to be harder to treat.
Indigestion and stomach discomfort
Mild nausea
Heartburn
A bloated feeling after eating
Loss of appetite
Blood in the stool
Weight loss for no known reason
Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
Trouble swallowing
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdomen)
Stomach cancers, like other cancers, are caused by changes in the DNA inside cells. DNA is the chemical that carries our genes, which control how our cells function.
Some genes control when cells grow, divide into new cells, and die:
Genes that normally help cells grow, divide, and stay alive can sometimes change to become oncogenes. Genes that help keep cell division under control, repair mistakes in DNA, or cause cells to die at the right time are called tumor suppressor genes. Cancers can be caused by DNA changes that keep oncogenes turned on, or that turn off tumor suppressor genes.
Inherited versus acquired gene mutations:
Inherited mutations in some genes (as explained in Stomach Cancer Risk Factors) can increase a person’s stomach cancer risk. But these are thought to cause only a small percentage of stomach cancers.
Most of the gene changes that lead to stomach cancer occur after birth. Some of these acquired mutations might be caused by risk factors such as H.pylori infection or tobacco use. But other gene changes may just be random events that sometimes happen inside cells, without having an outside cause.
Anything that increases the chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk for stomach cancer.
Risk factors for stomach cancer include the following:
The risk of stomach cancer is increased in people who come from countries where stomach cancer is common.
Find healthcare providers and facilities that specialise in treating stomach cancer.
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