Stomach cancer affects
around 8000 people per year in the UK, although
the incidence is declining. It affects more
men than women. It is rare under the age
of 40 and becomes more common with increasing
age. The decline in the rate of stomach
cancer is thought to be associated with
improvements in diet.
Causes
The causes of stomach
cancer are still not fully understood. Factors
that irritate the stomach have been implicated.
A stomach infection through Helicobacter
pylori bacteria may be linked with both
stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Diet
is probably important. Alcohol and cigarette-smoking
are known factors.
Stomach cancer is
more common in people who have pernicious
anaemia, which affects the lining of the
stomach and results in a lack of Vitamin
B12.
People with blood
group A are more likely to develop stomach
cancer than are those with other blood groups.
This implies that there may be a genetic
element in the set of causes.
Treatment is surgical
removal of the tumour if it is not too far
advanced. Chemotherapy drugs may also
be given.
Symptoms
The symptoms of stomach
cancer are difficult to distinguish from
those of stomach or duodenal ulcers. The
principal feature is pain, high in the abdomen
in the angle between the ribs, that is often
relieved by food.
Cancer of the stomach
can be difficult to diagnose in its early
stages. It can be quite advanced by the
time it is identified. The most common symptoms
include difficulty in swallowing, weight
loss, nausea and vomiting. If the cancer
has spread to other parts of the body, there
may be other symptoms associated with this.
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Cancer of the
Stomach
