GASTRIC CANCER

Who Can Get Gastric Cancer?

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in:

• People above 50 years

• Men more than women

• Smokers

• People with long-standing acidity or ulcers

• Family history of stomach cancer

3. What are the Common Symptoms?

Early stages may have no symptoms. Later symptoms include:

• Persistent stomach pain

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Vomiting or nausea

• Difficulty swallowing

• Feeling full quickly after small meals

• Black stools or blood in vomit

• Weakness / anemia

4. What Causes Gastric Cancer?

• Helicobacter pylori infection (stomach bacteria)

• Smoking and alcohol

• Spicy, smoked, and preserved foods

• Family history

• Long-term gastritis

• Obesity

5. How is Gastric Cancer Diagnosed?

Doctors may advise:

• Endoscopy – camera test to look inside stomach

• Biopsy – small tissue sample taken during endoscopy

• CT Scan / PET Scan – to see spread

• Blood tests

ROLE OF SURGERY

6. What is the Role of Surgery in Gastric Cancer?

Surgery is the main and most important treatment when cancer is found early or in operable stages.

The aim of surgery is to remove the cancer completely.

7. What Types of Surgery are Done?

a) Partial Gastrectomy

• Only part of the stomach is removed.

• Done when tumor is small or located in one area.

b) Total Gastrectomy

• Entire stomach is removed.

• Food pipe is then joined directly to the intestine.

c) Lymph Node Removal

• Nearby lymph nodes are also removed to prevent spread.

Most surgeries are done by open or laparoscopic (keyhole) method depending on case.

8. When is Surgery Not Possible?

• When cancer is very advanced

• When it has spread to liver, lungs, or distant organs

• Patient is not fit for major surgery

In such cases, surgery may be done only to relieve blockage or bleeding, not to cure.

ROLE OF CHEMOTHERAPY

9. What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is treatment using medicines (drugs) that kill cancer cells.
These medicines are usually given through veins or tablets.

10. What is the Role of Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer?

Chemotherapy is used in several ways:

a) Before Surgery (Neoadjuvant Chemo)

• Shrinks the tumor.

• Makes surgery easier and more successful.

b) After Surgery (Adjuvant Chemo)

• Kills leftover microscopic cancer cells.

• Reduces chance of recurrence.

c) In Advanced Cancer

• Controls disease.

• Reduces symptoms.

• Improves survival and quality of life.

11. What are Side Effects of Chemotherapy?

• Hair loss

• Nausea / vomiting

• Weakness

• Low immunity

• Mouth ulcers

• Diarrhea

Most side effects are temporary and manageable with medicines.

12. Can Gastric Cancer be Cured?

Yes, if detected early and treated with surgery plus chemotherapy.
Late-stage cancer is harder to cure but treatment can still prolong life and reduce symptoms.

13. What is the Overall Treatment Plan?

Usually a combination of:

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

• Sometimes Radiotherapy

• Nutritional support and follow-up

14. In Simple Words, What Does It Mean?

Gastric cancer is cancer of the stomach. Surgery removes the tumor and is the main curative treatment. Chemotherapy helps shrink the cancer, kill remaining cells, and prevent recurrence. Early diagnosis gives the best chance of cure.