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Stomach Cancer

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The stomach is part of the digestive system. Its role is to receive and break down food, storing it and releasing it periodically into the intestine for further digestion. Most stomach cancers develop in the lining of the stomach called the mucosa. Stomach cancer can grow through the stomach’s layers and into organs near it like the liver, pancreas and colon, or it can spread through the lymphatic system or bloodstream to other parts of the body. In Singapore, it is the 4th most common cancer in men and 6th in women.


Risk Factors
1. A family history of stomach cancer
2. Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection
   
Helicobacter pylori is a germ that is sometimes found in the stomach and is
    associated with increased
risk of stomach cancer
3. Pernicious anaemia – a rare blood disorder
4. Previous stomach surgery with partial removal of the stomach
5. Frequent consumption of preserved or smoked food such as salted vegetables,fish
    and meat
 
    The cooking of such foods releases toxic substances called nitrosamines which are
    cancer-causing
6. Smoking

Signs & Symptoms
1. Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
2. Discomfort or mild pain over the upper abdomen
3. A sense of fullness or stomach bloating after a small meal
4. Persistent heartburn or indigestion
5. Constant belching, nausea and vomiting
6. Tiredness
7. Blood in the stools
8. Blackish and very foul smelling stools
9. Pallor

Stomach cancer seldom exhibits symptoms. Early detection is therefore difficult.

These symptoms may be caused by a number of problems and may not indicate the presence of cancer,but if any of the above symptoms persists or is bothering you, do consult your doctor for advice.

Screening

Consultation

Treatment

Screening for stomach cancer is currently not recommended.

You can seek consultation at the following institutions:
§National Cancer Centre
§Changi General Hospital
§Singapore GeneralHospital

Treatment options for stomach cancer include surgery, ranging from endoscopic mucosal resection to gastrectomy, to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.