Stomach cancer is an important health problem in the world and in our country. This disease, which is more common in men over 50 years of age and
, is very important for prevention and early diagnosis because it can progress insidiously and aggressively. The disease, which is very difficult to treat in advanced stages,
now has the chance to be detected and treated at an earlier stage
with modern endoscopic interventions and other tests.
What causes stomach cancer?
Although the exact cause of stomach cancer has not been fully explained, some of the reasons that increase the risk of stomach
cancer are known.
One of these is infection with H. pylori, a common bacteria that causes ulcers.
/> Inflammation in your intestine called gastritis, a certain type of anemia called pernicious anemia
long-term anemia, and growths in your stomach called polyps may also increase your chances of getting cancer.
Other causes of stomach cancer. Some risk factors are:
Smoking
Overweight or obesity
Salty and spicy diet
Previous stomach surgery
Epstein-Barr virus
Charcoal Working in metal, timber or rubber industries
Genetic predisposition
A blood type
Asbestos exposure
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer is quite insidious. It is a progressive disease. For this reason, symptoms
are not seen in the early stages or are ignored by patients. Therefore, when diagnosed, the disease is usually in an advanced stage and has spread to other parts of the body. It is of great importance that those in the risk group
are monitored by their doctor with regular endoscopic follow-ups in detecting the disease in the early
period.
Symptoms that may occur in the early period:
Indigestion
Feeling bloated after eating
Heartburn
Mild nausea
Loss of appetite
None of these symptoms mean you have cancer. Many of these symptoms are also seen in other digestive system diseases such as gastritis,
ulcers, reflux, and are usually caused by diseases other than
cancer. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, you should consult your doctor without panic
.
You may have problems in the future. symptoms:
Stomach pain
Blood in your stool
Vomiting
Weight loss for no reason
Difficulty swallowing
Yellowish eyes or skin
Swelling in your stomach
br /> Constipation or diarrhea
Weakness or feeling tired
Heartburn
If these symptoms occur, especially blood in the stool, weight loss or difficulty in swallowing, it is important that you consult your doctor without delay. It is important.
How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
Patients with risk factors can be detected at an early stage
with regular screening and follow-up. Various tests can be used to make a diagnosis. Some of these:
Blood test
Fecal occult blood test
Endoscopic examination
Computed tomography
Biopsy
Stomach cancer treatment
The most important determinant of the method to be chosen in the treatment of stomach cancer is the stage of the disease and
type of tumor.
Part or all of your stomach, together with the lymph nodes in the area, is surgically removed.
Removal of your entire stomach. In this case, a new stomach is made from your intestine. Depending on the situation
, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be given before or after surgery.
How can we protect ourselves from stomach cancer?
The most important element in the fight against diseases is to be protected from the disease. Stomach cancer, like most other
diseases, has preventable causes. The main factors for protection are:
Treatment of infections: H. Pylori, which is one of the most important causes of stomach cancer, can be eliminated with antibiotics under the supervision of your doctor.
Balanced diet: reduce salt and spices in your diet and eat vegetables. and add fruit
Quit smoking: Smoking is a very important risk factor for stomach cancer
Alcohol: Alcohol increases the risk of stomach cancer, especially in heavy drinkers. It is important to reduce or
stop drinking alcohol.
Vitamin: Supplement it, especially if you are deficient in vitamins A and C.
If you have cancer in your family, be sure to check it intermittently for stomach problems and the accompanying
You should be screened and investigated periodically for types of cancer. You should be afraid of being late
not of cancerĀ
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