Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the stomach. It is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, and is more prevalent in men than in women. Stomach cancer is a serious disease that can cause significant health problems, including death, if not detected and treated early.

What is Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)?

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the stomach lining. The stomach is a muscular sac that digests food and helps to break it down into smaller pieces. The stomach lining contains several types of cells, including mucus-producing cells, acid-producing cells, and hormone-producing cells. Stomach cancer can develop in any of these cells, but the majority of cases (about 90%) are adenocarcinomas, which develop in the glandular cells that line the stomach.

Causes and Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, but there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Helicobacter pylori infection: This is a bacterial infection that can cause stomach ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining. It is the most common cause of stomach cancer.

• Family history: A family history of stomach cancer can increase a person's risk of developing the disease.

• Diet: A diet high in smoked, salted, and pickled foods, and low in fruits and vegetables, can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

• Smoking: Smoking tobacco can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

• Age: Stomach cancer is more common in people over the age of 50.

• Gender: Men are more likely to develop stomach cancer than women.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)

The symptoms of stomach cancer can vary from person to person and depend on the stage of the disease. Some common symptoms of stomach cancer include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating only a small amount

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Difficulty swallowing

• Blood in the stool or vomit

• Complications of Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)

• Stomach cancer can cause several complications, including:

• Bleeding: Stomach cancer can cause bleeding in the stomach or intestines, which can lead to anemia and fatigue.

• Obstruction: The tumor can grow and obstruct the digestive system, making it difficult for food to pass through.

• Spread to other organs: Stomach cancer can spread to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, and bones.

Prevention of Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)

There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer, including:

• Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed and smoked foods can reduce the risk of stomach cancer.

• Quitting smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of stomach cancer.

• Screening: Regular screening can detect stomach cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Treatment of Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)

Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Some common treatment options include:

• Surgery: Surgery may be used to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor.

• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy may be used to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy may be used to attack specific cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

• Palliative care: Palliative care may be used to improve the quality of life for patients with advanced stomach cancer.

Possibility of Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may be used to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with stomach cancer. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Acupressure involves applying pressure to these same points with the fingers or hands.

Several studies have suggested that acupuncture and acupressure may be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and other treatments for stomach cancer. In addition, acupuncture may help to alleviate pain and improve sleep quality in patients with stomach cancer.

It is important to note that Oriental medicine should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment for stomach cancer. Instead, it can be used as a complementary therapy to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

References

• "Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (2021) by JAMA Oncology. This study examines the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer, including stomach cancer.

• "Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer: An Overview" (2019) by the American Cancer Society. This resource provides an overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches to cancer treatment, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine.

• "Effect of Mind-Body Intervention on Quality of Life and Immune Function in Patients With Stomach Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (2020) by Integrative Cancer Therapies. This study evaluates the impact of a mind-body intervention, including meditation and yoga, on the quality of life and immune function in patients with stomach cancer.

• "Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Emotional and Physical Well-being of Patients With Stomach Cancer" (2021) by Journal of Cancer Education. This study examines the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the emotional and physical well-being of patients with stomach cancer, including improvements in anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

• "Effects of Moxibustion on Gastrointestinal Function and Quality of Life in Patients With Stomach Cancer After Chemotherapy" (2019) by Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This study investigates the effects of moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine therapy, on gastrointestinal function and quality of life in patients with stomach cancer after chemotherapy.

• "Herbal Medicine for Stomach Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2018) by Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine for stomach cancer, including the use of ginseng and curcumin.

• "Massage Therapy for Symptom Control: Outcome Study at a Major Cancer Center" (2020) by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. This study examines the effects of massage therapy on symptom control in patients with cancer, including stomach cancer.

• "Stomach Cancer: Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up" (2020) by the European Society for Medical Oncology. This guideline provides an overview of the latest evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of stomach cancer, including surgical approaches, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

• "The Effect of Acupressure on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients With Stomach Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (2019) by Cancer Nursing. This study evaluates the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with stomach cancer.

• "The Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Stomach Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2018) by Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of stomach cancer, including herbal medicine and acupuncture.