Stomach cancer
Over 9,000 people in the UK each year are diagnosed with stomach cancer. It is more common in men than women.
People who eat a diet rich in fibre may be less at risk of developing this disease. Tobacco use and a history of previous stomach problems and surgery can increase the risk. Symptoms may be very similar to those of other diseases, for example: feelings of indigestion, pain, nausea and bloating.
Early diagnosis will mean a more successful outcome to treatment. Stomach cancer will be confirmed through a medical examination and tests including barium meal (an x-ray of the stomach following a drink containing barium), endoscopy (a thin, flexible tube passed down the throat into the stomach to allow the doctor to see the stomach lining) and blood tests.
Advanced stomach cancer can metastasise (spread to other parts of the body) which makes it more difficult to treat. For early disease surgery alone may be the treatment of choice, but sometimes chemotherapy is prescribed too. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, sometimes together, may also be given to prevent the further spread of disease or to control symptoms.
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Dietary advice for stomach cancer patients can be very helpful
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Helicobacter Pylori is a stomach infection that may lead to an increased risk of stomach cancer
Further information
Cancerbackup
www.cancerbackup.org.uk
CancerHelp
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
World Cancer Research Fund (UK)
www.wcrf-uk.org
Core
www.corecharity.org.uk
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