Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Stomach cancer is an incredibly rare form of cancer accounting for only 1.5 percent of new cases in the United States. Even so, almost everyone who’s experienced weird stomach symptoms has considered the possibility of stomach cancer—so how do you know you have it?

Stomach cancer is tricky to diagnose without tests, especially since most stomach cancer symptoms don’t occur until later stages. To make things even more uncertain, most stomach cancer symptoms are no different from those caused by minor stomach issues such as indigestion or acid reflux. Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and difficulty swallowing.

Again, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, there’s a strong chance that they’re being caused by something else; only your doctor can determine whether you have stomach cancer. Most doctors use a combination of endoscopy (cameras), imaging tests, and biopsy tests to diagnose stomach cancer.

Though it’s already unlikely that you’ll get stomach cancer, you can further mitigate the risk by understanding its causes. Stomach cancer is typically caused by unhealthy lifestyle factors such as obesity, acid reflux, smoking, and diets low in fresh fruits and vegetables. As a result, maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can virtually eliminate your risk of stomach cancer.

Even if you do develop stomach cancer, however, there are plenty of treatment options available. Stomach cancer treatments include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, along with palliative care to ease pain.

If you’re still worried about stomach cancer or are experiencing chronic stomach symptoms, don’t wait: Early detection offers the best chance of a full recovery. For more information on stomach cancer, check out the infographic below or call Crystal Run Healthcare at 845-703-6999 to speak with one of our healthcare professionals.