A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with many risk factors never develop cancer, while others without known risk factors may develop cancer. Knowing your risk factors and discussing them with your doctor can help you make more informed lifestyle and healthcare choices.

The following factors may increase a person’s risk of developing stomach cancer:

Age.

Stomach cancer is most commonly seen in people over the age of 55.

Sex.

Men are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer as women.

Bacteria.

A common bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, also called H. pylori, causes stomach inflammation and ulcers. It is also considered as one of the main causes for stomach cancer. The test for H. pylori infection is available and an infection can be treated with antibiotics. Screening for H. pylori is recommended if you have a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child diagnosed with stomach cancer or H. pylori infection. Other family members could have it as well, and the infection must be treated if found.

Family history/genetics.

People who have a parent, child or sibling who had stomach cancer have a higher risk of the disease. In addition, certain inherited genetic disorders, such as inherited diffuse gastric cancer, Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Race/Ethnicity.

Stomach cancer is more common in colored, Spanish and Asian people than in white people.

Diet.

Consuming a highly salty diet has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Including foods that are preserved by drying, smoking, salting them and foods with high salt additives. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk.

Previous surgery or health conditions.

People who have had stomach surgery, have been diagnosed with malignant anemia or achlorhydria, have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. Malignant anemia is a severe reduction in red blood cells that is caused when the stomach is unable to absorb vitamin B12 properly. The achlorhydria is a lack of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juices that helps digest food.

Environmental exposure.

Exposure to certain powders and fumes can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Tobacco and alcohol.

Tobacco use and alcohol consumption may increase the risk of devepoling stomach cancer.

Obesity.

Excess body weight increases the risk of developing stomach cancer.

For most types of cancer, biopsy is the only sure way for the doctor to know if an area of ​​the body has cancer. In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small tissue sample for histological examination that will be sent to a pathologist.

This list describes diagnostic options for this type of cancer. Not all of the tests listed below are used for each person. Your doctor will take into consideration the following factors while choosing a diagnostic test:

The type of cancer that is suspected

Your symptoms

The age and general state of your health

Results of previous medical examinations

Biopsy.

Biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for histological examination under the microscope by the pathologist. The pathologist is a physician who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues and organs for the diagnosis of diseases (histological examination).

Molecular examination of the tumor.

Your doctor may recommend laboratory examination on a tumor sample to identify specific genes, proteins, and other tumor-specific factors. The results of these examinations can help you determine your treatment options as they reveal the molecular profile of the cancer.

For stomach cancer, a PD-L1 test and a microsatellite instability (MSI / MMR) test may be performed. The results of these tests help your clinical doctor (Oncologist) find out if immunotherapy is a therapeutic option.

Endoscopy.

An endoscopy allows the doctor (Gastroenterologist) to have a view on the inside of the stomach with a thin, flexible tube called gastroscope or endoscope. The doctor may remove a biopsy specimen during an endoscopy so that the pathologist could test (biopsy histological examination) for the possibility of cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasound.

This test is similar to an endoscopy, but the gastroscope has a small ultrasound detector at the end. An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. An ultrasound image of the stomach wall helps doctors determine how far the cancer has spread into the stomach, as well as assessing nearby lymph nodes, tissues and organs, such as the liver or adrenal glands.

Radiography.

Barium test.

In the barium test, the person swallows a barium-containing fluid and a series of radiographs are taken. The barium attaches to the wall of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, so that tumors or other abnormalities are easier to see in radiography.

Computed tomography (CT) scan.

A CT scan captures images of the interior of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer combines these images into a detailed, 3D image that shows any abnormalities or tumors. A computed tomography scan can be used to measure tumor size. Sometimes, a special dye called contrast effect is given before scanning to provide better detailed image. This coloring material is usually administered both as a swallowing fluid and as an injection into the patient’s vein.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields, not radiographs, to produce detailed images of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to measure tumor size. A special paint called contrast medium is given before scanning to create a clearer picture. This dye is usually injected into a patient’s vein.

Positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT scan.

The PET scan is usually combined with a CT scan (see above), called a PET-CT scan. A PET scan is a way to create images of organs and tissues within the body. A small amount of a radioactive glucose substance is injected into the patient’s body. This glucose is absorbed by the cells that use most of the energy. Because cancer tends to use energy, it absorbs more radioactive substance. A detector then detects this substance to produce images of the interior of the body.

Laparoscopy.

A laparoscopy is a small operation in which the surgeon inserts a thin, flexible tube called a laparoscope into the abdominal cavity. It is used to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdominal cavity or the liver. A CT or PET scan cannot usually find the cancer that has spread to these areas.

People with stomach cancer may experience the following symptoms. Sometimes, people with stomach cancer have none of these abnormalities. Or, the cause may be a different medical condition that is not cancer.

Stomach cancer is usually not at an early stage because it often does not cause specific symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may be vague and may include those listed below. It is important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by many other diseases, such as a viral stomach infection or ulcer.

Indigestion or heartburn

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Nausea and vomiting, especially vomiting shortly after eating

Diarrhea or constipation

Stomach bloating after meals

Loss of appetite

Sense of food intake in the neck while eating

Symptoms of advanced stomach cancer may include:

Weakness and fatigue

Vomiting blood or blood on the stool

Unexplained weight loss

If you are concerned about any changes you are experiencing, contact your doctor.

Molecular examination of the tumor.

Researchers are looking at genetic changes in tumor cells to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumor. Patients with different types of tumors with the same gene mutation can participate in “clinical trials” whose main objective is finding treatments that target this genetic change.

Targeted therapy. For stomach cancer, a PD-L1 test and a microsatellite instability (MSI / MMR) test may be performed. The results of these tests help your clinical doctor (Oncologist) find out if immunotherapy is a therapeutic option.

Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a growing field of research for stomach cancer. Researchers are looking at different types of immunotherapy that block the CTLA4 and / or PD-1 pathways. A tumor may use these pathways to successfully avoid the body’s immune system. Immunotherapy that blocks these pathways allows the immune system to detect and destroy cancer.