​Stomach Cancer: What is it

The stomach is part of the digestive system. Its role is to receive and break down food, storing 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 6th most common cancer in men and 8th in women.

Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer

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