Stomach Cancer
Resources
Publications
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach (gastric) cancer can start in any part of the stomach, a sack-like organ that holds food
and begins the digestion process.
The stomach has five layers. As cancer grows deeper into the layers, the prognosis for the patient
gets worse. Starting from the inside, the innermost layer is called the mucosa.
Next is a supporting layer called the submucosa, which is surrounded by the muscularis, a layer
of muscle that moves and mixes the stomach contents. The next two layers, the subserosa and the
serosa (the outermost) layer, act as wrapping for the stomach. Stomach cancer usually starts in
the mucosa (adenocarcinoma).
Facts: According to the Illinois State Cancer Registry, in 2021, there was 1,127 new cases of
stomach cancer diagnosed in Illinois. Of these, 715 will be in men and 412 will be in women. In
2021, 445 Illinoisans died from stomach cancer.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer?
Scientists have found several risk factors that make a person more likely to develop stomach
cancer. The major risk factors include:
Bacterial infection
Infection with bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) may be a major cause of stomach cancer. Long-term
infection with these bacteria can lead to inflammation and damage to the inner layer of the
stomach. This bacterium is also linked to some types of lymphoma of the stomach, but most
people with this bacterium never develop cancer.
Tobacco
Smoking almost doubles the risk of stomach cancer.
Diet
An increased risk of stomach cancer is linked to diets high in smoked foods, salted fish and
meats, and pickled vegetables. Eating whole grain products and fresh fruits and vegetables that
contain vitamins A and C appears to lower the risk of stomach cancer.
Obesity
Being overweight (excess body fat) or obese (abnormally high, unhealthy amount of body fat) is
a major risk factor for many cancers, including cancer of the stomach.
Stomach surgery
Stomach cancer is more likely to occur in people who have had part of their stomach removed.
Type A blood
For unknown reasons, people with type A blood have a higher risk for stomach cancer.
Stomach polyps
Polyps are small mushroom-like growths on the lining of the stomach. Most types of polyps do
not increase the risk of stomach cancer. One type, adenomatous polyps, sometimes develops into
stomach cancer.
Gender
Stomach cancer is more than twice as common in men.
Ethnicity
The rate of stomach cancer is higher in Hispanics and African Americans than in non-Hispanic
Whites. The highest rates are seen in Asian/Pacific Islanders.
Age
Stomach cancer is most often diagnosed after the age of 50.
Family history
People with several close relatives who have had stomach cancer are more likely to develop this
disease. Scientists are trying to learn how and why certain changes take place in the lining of the
stomach and what part Helicobacter pylori plays in stomach cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer can be difficult to detect early. Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages,
and in many cases, the cancer has spread before it is found. When symptoms occur, they are
often so vague that the person ignores them. The common symptoms include:
unintended weight loss and lack of appetite
pain around the stomach (abdominal pain)
vague discomfort in the abdomen, often above the navel
a sense of fullness just below the chest bone after eating a small meal
heartburn, indigestion, or ulcer-type symptoms
nausea
vomiting, with or without blood
swelling of the abdomen
Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. It is important to report
any of these symptoms to a doctor.
How to Prevent Stomach Cancer
Even though the exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, it is still possible to prevent many
cases. Finding it early may be the best way to improve the chance of successful treatment and
reduce the number of deaths caused by the disease.
Increased use of refrigeration for food storage (rather than salting, pickling, and smoking)
and changes in diet have helped lower the rate of stomach cancer over the past 60 years.
A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables can lower stomach cancer risk. Red meats,
mainly those high in fat or processed, should be limited.
Stop tobacco and alcohol usage.
It is not yet clear whether people with chronic (ongoing) infection with Helicobacter
pylori bacteria should be treated to prevent stomach cancer. This issue is being
researched.
Resources
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Publications
Cancer Awareness in Illinois
