Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the cells lining the stomach. It occurs when the body’s normal process of removing old cells and forming new cells, breaks down. The stomach cells continue to grow out of control and form tumors. The cancerous cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
Stomach cancer is typically found in the elderly. Men are more likely to be affected than women. Other risk factors for the disease are smoking, obesity, stomach diseases, excessive alcohol consumption, and hereditary conditions.
The outlook for recovery is better if stomach cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other parts of the body. Regular screening for stomach cancer is advised for those at higher risk, such as those with a family history of the disease.
Depending on the extent of the cancer, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
