Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) is one of the five most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide and often progresses without noticeable signs in its early stages. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh in women globally. This blog takes a closer look at the common symptoms, underlying causes, risk factors, and treatment options linked to stomach cancer.

What is Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is the growth of abnormal cells in the inner lining of the stomach. As these cancerous cells multiply, they invade the deeper layers of the stomach and spread. People from all over the world seek gastric cancer treatment in Turkey due to the availability and accessibility of the latest treatment modalities.

The Stomach and Gastroesophageal Junction

The stomach is the organ where digestion takes place, while the gastroesophageal junction is the opening between the food pipe (Oesophagus) and the stomach. Although most types of gastric cancers begin in the lining of the stomach, some may begin at the gastroesophageal junction as well. Various types of stomach cancer include:

• Adenocarcinoma (Most common variant)

• Gastroesophageal junction cancer or adenocarcinoma

• Lymphoma

• GIST – Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

• Carcinoids

How Stomach Cancer Develops

While there are several types of stomach cancer, most tend to develop through a similar disease process. The early damage is caused by a long-term stomach inflammation or infection (e.g., H.pylori infection), which over time injures the stomach lining. This ongoing irritation triggers a cascade of precancerous changes including thinning of the gastric lining, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia.

As these cellular changes progress, normal stomach cells begin to lose their structure and function. If left untreated, this abnormal transformation of cells can eventually give rise to malignant (cancerous) growths in the stomach.

Stomach Cancer Symptoms

Stomach cancer symptoms are generally divided into early and advanced stages depending on how far the disease has progressed. Early-stage symptoms are often mild, vague, or even absent, which is why many cases are detected only once the cancer has advanced. As the tumour grows and spreads, symptoms become more noticeable and persistent. Early detection is important because stomach cancer has a more favorable prognosis when diagnosed at an initial stage.

Early Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

The early stage stomach cancer symptoms include:

• Indigestion

• Heartburn

• Post-meal bloating

• Nausea

• Decreased appetite

• Epigastric stomach pain and vomiting

The main reason for a missed or late diagnosis of stomach cancer is the similarity of the early symptoms to other non-life-threatening health issues.

Advanced Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Patients who present with advanced stomach cancer have additional symptoms like:

• Unintentional weight loss

• Difficulty swallowing

• Blood in stools, etc.

When to See a Doctor

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent, recurrent, or chronic digestive symptoms that do not improve with routine over-the-counter treatments. This is especially true if you also experience "alarm symptoms," which strongly suggest a serious underlying condition.

Consult a healthcare professional promptly if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent or Worsening Indigestion or Heartburn: Symptoms that last for more than a few weeks or become significantly more painful.

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying.

• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): A sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest.

• Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis) or Blood in Stools (Melena): Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds or having black, tarry stools.

• Chronic Pain: Pain in the stomach or abdomen that does not go away.

• Anemia or Persistent Fatigue: Caused by slow, chronic blood loss.

In Turkey, you can get a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and access multidisciplinary stomach cancer treatment planning in Istanbul and other major cities at the Medical Park Hospitals.

Causes and Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a slow and chronic disease. Stomach cancer in Turkey remains a significant health issue, especially in regions with high H.pylori infection rates.

Factors That Increase Stomach Cancer Risk

Common stomach cancer risk factors are as follows:

• Chronic H.pylori infection

• Processed foods

• Salty and smoked foods

• Smoking

• Alcoholism

• Chronic gastric inflammation

• Gastric ulcers

• GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Stomach Polyps

• Stomach cancer family history

• Males 60 or above

• Pernicious Anemia

Genetic and Lifestyle Factors

Stomach cancer can be triggered by a combination of genetic and lifestyle-related factors. Individuals who inherit specific gene mutations or have a family history of stomach cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Lifestyle choices also influence risk. A sedentary routine and frequent consumption of salted, smoked, or heavily processed foods have been linked to a greater likelihood of stomach cancer. Public health efforts emphasize the importance of early detection through regular medical check-ups and the adoption of healthier eating habits.

How to Potentially Lower Your Risk

Although there are multiple stomach cancer treatment options in Turkey that can help improve outcomes, prevention remains key. Regular medical screenings, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use may all help reduce the risk of developing this serious disease.

Diagnosing Stomach Cancer

Understanding the causes of stomach cancer remains an active area of research globally. At the same time, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial, and it typically involves three main steps to ensure effective detection and treatment planning.

Initial Diagnostic Steps

The initial diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and a comprehensive physical examination. This is usually followed by an endoscopy for stomach cancer, which allows doctors to visually inspect the stomach lining for abnormalities. Blood and urine tests are also performed to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Imaging and Biopsy Procedures

Advanced imaging and biopsy play a crucial role in assessing the tumor’s size and spread. Patients can undergo state-of-the-art diagnostic services, including:

• CT scan for stomach cancer

• PET scan for stomach cancer

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

• Stomach cancer biopsy

These are available at Medical Park hospitals across Turkey.

Staging Stomach Cancer

Accurate staging is vital to determine the most effective stomach cancer treatment plan. This process involves analyzing imaging and biopsy results to classify the cancer from stage 0 (early disease) to stage 4 (advanced disease with distant metastasis). Stomach cancer patients in Turkey benefit from precise staging to guide personalized treatment approaches.

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer treatment in Turkey is accessible to both local and international patients, offering a wide range of comprehensive treatments tailored to individual needs.

Collaborative Treatment Planning

Effective stomach cancer management relies on a multidisciplinary approach. At Medical Park Hospitals, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and pathologists work together to create personalised treatment plans. With over 27 facilities across Turkey, Medical Park provides world-class care supported by advanced technology and modern treatment protocols, welcoming patients from around the world. This collaborative model helps ensure the best possible outcomes for gastric cancer patients.

Surgical Approaches

Common types of stomach cancer surgery in Turkey include:

• Partial gastrectomy

• Total gastrectomy

• Lymph node dissection (for metastatic stomach cancer)

• Laparoscopic stomach cancer surgery (minimally invasive)

To have more information on surgical solutions for tumour removal offered by Medical Park hospitals, see our surgical oncology department page.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

For advanced stages, surgery is often combined with chemotherapy for stomach cancer and radiation therapy for stomach cancer to help destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. When surgery is not feasible, these treatments may be used as first-line approaches to control disease progression.

Targeted Drug Therapy and Immunotherapy

Targeted drug therapy for stomach cancer focuses on blocking specific molecules that drive tumour growth. Immunotherapy for stomach cancer works by activating the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively.

Living with Stomach Cancer

Early stomach cancer prognosis is the best. The 5-year survival rate for early disease is up to 75% while for advanced cases (distant metastasis), it is about 7%.

Support and Resources

Comprehensive support is key when coping with stomach cancer. Available resources often include:

• Medical support services (pain management, palliative care, and symptom control)

• Psychological counselling to address anxiety, depression, and emotional distress

• Nutritional guidance to help patients remain strong throughout treatment

• Rehabilitation programmes

• Stomach cancer support groups

Living with Stomach Cancer

Living with stomach cancer can be challenging both physically and emotionally, but outcomes are significantly better when the disease is detected early. Patients diagnosed at an early stage have a 5-year survival rate of up to 75% (for localized cancer). However, in advanced cases (distant metastasis), the 5-year survival rate drops to about 7%. Staying informed, adhering to treatment plans, and maintaining close follow-up with healthcare providers are essential parts of managing the condition and improving quality of life.

For in-depth information about our cancer care services at Medical Park hospitals for international patients, visit our oncology treatment in Turkey page.