Stomach Cancer Awareness – What You Need To Know

Stomach or gastric cancer is a global health issue affecting thousands every year. Unfortunately, due to its often subtle early symptoms, it’s frequently diagnosed at advanced stages. In light of November being National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, Pegalis Law Group, LLC analyzes the risk factors, symptoms, screening options, and survival rates to spread early detection and prevention awareness. Educating yourself and others about stomach cancer is a powerful step toward reducing its impact. By recognizing risks and promoting healthy lifestyle changes, we can work together to combat this disease.
What Is Stomach Cancer? What Are Common Risk Factors?
Stomach cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the stomach’s lining. While it was once among the leading cancer deaths in the United States in the early 20th century, the American Cancer Society estimates that stomach cancer only accounts for about 1.5% of all new cancers diagnosed annually in the U.S. today. While it might be rare when compared to breast, colon, or prostate cancer, it’s still fairly common worldwide. It can affect anyone, though certain factors can increase your risk, such as:
- Age & Gender – Stomach cancer is more common in older adults, with a slightly higher risk in men than women. The average age for a stomach cancer diagnosis is 68. Approximately 6 out of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer are 65 or older, although it affects people of all ages. An estimated 2-8% of stomach cancer cases are found in people under 40.
- Dietary Habits – Eating a diet rich in salty, smoked, or pickled foods can put you at a greater risk of developing stomach cancer. The widespread use of refrigeration has led to a decline in Americans eating salted, pickled, and smoked foods as regularly. Eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and maintaining a healthy weight can help you decrease your risk.
- Tobacco & Alcohol Use – Tobacco and alcohol use are two significant and preventable risk factors. If you smoke, consider quitting. If you consume alcohol, consider cutting back to help you avoid the likelihood of developing many types of cancer, including gastric cancer.
- Family History – As with any cancer, a family history of stomach cancer can increase your risk. A history of certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, can also increase your risk. Talk to your doctor about regular stomach cancer screenings if you have a strong family history.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection – Although this bacterial infection linked to stomach cancer has become less common in recent years, it’s still a major cause. H. pylori can be spread from person to person through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms to Watch for & the Importance of Early Detection
Early stomach cancer detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. However, stomach cancer doesn’t always present symptoms while in the early stages. Regular screenings and paying attention to symptoms are in your best interest. Stomach cancer is often difficult to diagnose because early stomach cancer symptoms can be mistaken for more common digestive issues such as acid reflux. Awareness is vital to your health. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Feeling full or bloated after eating small amounts
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Black or bloody stool
- Fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
- Difficulty swallowing
How a Stomach Cancer Misdiagnosis Could Affect Your Prognosis
Stomach cancer can be aggressive and uncurable, especially in advanced stages. If the cancer remains in the stomach area, treatment is more likely to be successful. Metastatic stomach cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, liver, and other parts of the body. Once stomach cancer advances and spreads, it’s generally harder to treat, making early diagnosis and treatment essential. Your five-year survival rate for early stomach cancer may be as high as 70%, while metastatic stomach cancer can be as low as 6%.
Sadly, stomach cancer is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late to make a difference. Anywhere from 5-25% of stomach cancers are missed during endoscopy or biopsy. Many patients receive a delayed diagnosis due to the symptoms mimicking those of other more common gastrointestinal issues, such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a doctor’s misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of stomach cancer, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Speak to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to learn more.
Receive Additional Healthcare-Related Insights This Year
Are you ready to receive further insights about being proactive about your family’s health this year? Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. As a New York-based law firm specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice for 50+ years, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is committed to creating more proactive patients to save lives.