While it is not certain which type of stomach cancer will lead to death, the good news is that most people who develop the disease will live five years or longer after being diagnosed. The survival rate is better than ever with stomach cancer, and it stands at 65 percent for stage 1 and 35 percent for stage 2. Unfortunately, there are no 5-year survival rates for stage 4 stomach cancer, but the chances are still good. If you think you might be suffering from stomach cancer, you can learn more about your treatment options by talking to your doctor.
Stomach cancer can cause many symptoms. For example, it can cause a decreased number of red blood cells because the cancer cells in the stomach bleed out faster than the body can make them. When this happens, the body is deprived of adequate oxygen, making people feel weak and tired. Because the stomach is part of the gastrointestinal tract, stomach cancer may obstruct the gastrointestinal tract, causing pain and discomfort. Patients may also experience nausea or vomiting, which is often accompanied by a feeling of being full.
Blood tests can also diagnose stomach cancer. A complete blood count and a blood chemistry test will determine whether the cancer has spread to the liver or other organs. Other tests, such as an electrocardiogram, will determine how well the heart is functioning and whether the cancer has spread to other areas. When it comes to treatment, there is no one sure way to tell which type of cancer will cause the most damage. So how can you tell if you have it? By talking to your doctor, you can learn more about your risk for developing stomach cancer.
The types of stomach cancer vary in their risk and treatment. Some types occur in the wall of the stomach. Lymphomas are uncommon, but they are still cancerous, so the treatment options will be different. The type of cancer is important because it affects your overall health. The earlier you diagnose stomach cancer, the more effective treatment options you will have. Once the cancer has spread, your prognosis will be poor.
When you get diagnosed with stomach cancer, your doctor will most likely use X-rays and PET-CT scans. Combined CT-PET scans are more detailed than CT-scans, and they can help the doctors determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Other tests may include laparoscopy, in which your doctor looks inside your body to examine the outer layer of your stomach. During this procedure, the doctor will look for signs of cancer spreading throughout your body.
After surgery, your doctor will prescribe a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. You may be advised to eat softer foods after surgery, and you may have to increase the number of meals you eat. Dietitians can also recommend a healthy diet with more frequent, small meals. You can also ask your doctor about vitamin B12 supplements. In some cases, you may be prescribed a tube for feeding. If you have had surgery to remove your entire stomach, you may be prescribed a vitamin B12 supplement to prevent the cancer from coming back.
