what is stomach cancer

 “In the early stages, gastric cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, sufferers will experience a number of symptoms, ranging from prolonged abdominal pain to changes in bowel patterns.

Thedoctormedical , united states – Gastric cancer is a type of cancer that appears in the stomach. This organ is part of the digestive system that carries the food you swallow to enter the stomach and helps digest food.

This type of cancer turns out to be one type of cancer that causes many deaths in the world. Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), this disease has caused as many as 769 thousand deaths worldwide per 2020. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of stomach cancer so you can be aware of it.

Stomach Cancer Symptoms
This cancer occurs when cells in the stomach undergo mutations. This causes cells to grow abnormally and uncontrollably, and has the potential to become cancer cells.

So, what causes stomach cancer? The real reason is that no one really knows for sure. However, there are several factors that are thought to increase a person's risk of developing the disease , including:

Male gender.
Over 50 years old.
Have certain stomach conditions, such as long-term severe acid reflux, gastritis, or a condition called pernicious anemia that affects your immune system.
Having a long-term Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection.
Have a family history of this cancer.
In the early stages, the disease may not cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include heartburn or pain in the upper abdomen.

That is why this disease is often mistaken for other, less serious conditions. As the cancer has progressed, new symptoms will appear.

The following are common symptoms of stomach cancer:

1. Prolonged abdominal pain

Sufferers often experience persistent abdominal pain. This pain is usually localized in the upper abdominal region and may increase after eating.

Actually abdominal pain can be caused by many things. However, if the pain lasts more than a few weeks and is accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, consult a doctor immediately.

2. Indigestion

People with this type of cancer also often experience digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. If these symptoms persist and cause significant weight loss, you should see a doctor immediately.

3. Often feel bloated and uncomfortable

Bloating and an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach can also be a symptom of cancer. People with this disease often complain of feeling full or bloated after eating a small amount.

If you experience these symptoms occurring regularly, you should immediately consult a doctor .

4. Anemia

Anemia, a condition in which the body lacks red blood cells, can also be related to stomach cancer. People with the disease often experience fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath as a sign of anemia. If you experience these symptoms for no apparent reason, see a doctor immediately.

In a more advanced stage, this disease can cause symptoms such as:

5. Enlarged lymph nodes

People with stomach cancer may experience enlarged lymph nodes around the neck or armpits. This happens because the disease can spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Beware if you have enlarged lymph nodes that don't go away within a few weeks.

6. Changes in bowel movements

Changes in bowel movements can also be a symptom of stomach cancer. People with this disease often experience unusual constipation or diarrhea. If these changes last more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor immediately for further evaluation.

Those are the symptoms that people with stomach cancer can feel. So, can gastric cancer be cured? If you treat when the cancer is still in its early stages, the chances of recovery may be higher.

That is why early detection is very important in overcoming cancer. Even so, now there are various ways to deal with stomach cancer. From medicine to surgery. In order to avoid this disease, know the Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Stomach Cancer .