Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Gastric Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Author: Candy Swift
by Candy Swift
Posted: Sep 28, 2020
gastric cancer

According to the statistics, in the United States, the rate of new cases of gastric cancer was 7.3 per 100,000 men and women per year and the death rate was 3.1. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for gastric cancer in the United States for 2020 are about 27,600 cases being diagnosed (16,980 in men and 10,620 in women). So it’s necessary to know something about how to prevent and diagnosis this horrible disease.

  • Causes of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is caused by the endless proliferation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Its etiology has not yet been determined, but it is generally believed to be related to factors such as lifestyle, eating habits, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The following are currently researched causes that may increase the risk of gastric cancer.

  1. Age and gender: Gastric cancer is most common in people over 50 years old for studies have found that it may be related to the higher incidence of atrophic gastritis in the elderly. And the risk of gastric cancer in men is twice that of women.
  2. Geographical area: According to statistics, the high incidence areas are Northeast Asia, Central and South America and Eastern Europe.
  3. H. pylori infection: It is a gram-negative bacterium that causes stomach inflammation and gastric ulcer, which has been regarded by the World Health Organization as group 1 of gastric cancer carcinogen. If someone’s parents, siblings or children are diagnosed with gastric cancer or H. pylori infection, it is necessary for him/her to get medical exams.
  4. Family history and genetic history of the disease: People whose parents, children or siblings are diagnosed with gastric cancer are 2 to 3 times higher in the incidence than that of the average person.
  5. Dietary factors: Studies have shown that high-salt diets increase the risk of gastric cancer. In addition, there are many dietary factors that are risk factors for gastric cancer, such as frequent intake of fried, barbecued and red meat foods, as well as fats, oils and aflatoxin polluted food.
  6. People who have had gastric surgery: Epidemiological studies found that people who have undergone gastrectomy have a 3-10 times higher rate of gastric cancer than the average person.
  7. Other factors: Pernicious anemia, obesity, tobacco and alcohol, etc.
  • Symptoms of Gastric Cancer

The clinical manifestations of gastric cancer are usually asymptomatic or non-specific in the early stage. Pain in the upper abdomen is the most common symptom. The initial symptoms of gastric cancer are similar to that of diseases such as gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer, and this is also the main reason for delayed diagnosis or poor prognosis. As the cancerous tissue expands and penetrates into the inner lining of the stomach wall, patients begin to have symptoms such as weight loss, lack of appetite, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting and ascites.

  • Treatments of Gastric Cancer

The traditional treatment of gastric cancer mainly includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The patient may be treated with a single therapy or a combined therapy of multiple methods. However, no matter what stage of the cancer is, the principle of treatment is to improve the quality of life, prolong life, and reduce complications.

In recent years, oncolytic virus (OV), which specifically kills tumor cells, has developed rapidly. Its safety and effectiveness have been proved in clinical practice, and the oncolytic virotherapy for gastric cancer is expected to be a new direction and breakthrough.

"Based on recent studies, it remains to be a better choice that combining oncolytic virus with other therapy strategies, such as those treatments that adopt antibodies to alter the tumor microenvironment by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis or treatment that use immune checkpoint inhibitors to improve the T cell function." Said an expert at Creative Biolabs, a biotechnology company focusing on oncolytic virotherapy development.

Most people will not be attacked by gastric cancer if paying attention to keeping a healthy and regular diet, quitting smoking and alcohol, exercising properly, and getting physical examination regularly. What’s more, the advancement of technology has shown great potential in conquering cancer and novel treatments, such as oncolytic virotherapy, are believed to perform better in fighting with gastric cancer.

About the Author

Candy Swift: Focus on the cutting edge biological information around the world.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
  • Guest  -  3 years ago

    Healthy Blogs

Author: Candy Swift
Professional Member

Candy Swift

Member since: Nov 06, 2019
Published articles: 187

Related Articles