Introduction

Stomach cancer is the growth of cancerous cells within the lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer develops in the mucous-forming cells that line the stomach; this is referred to as adenocarcinoma most common type of stomach cancer.⁵ It is also known as Gastric cancer; it is the fifth leading cause of cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death across the globe.³ Gastric cancer is difficult to diagnose because of no visible symptoms from the onset; by the time symptoms appear, the cancer must have spread across the body, known as metastasis. Stomach cancer can be seen mostly in East Asians and Eastern Europeans; women are more prone to get stomach cancer than men.³

There are four stages of stomach cancer

1. Stage: In this stage, the tumour can only affect the top layer of the stomach lining, and at this stage,  they need a blood supply into their cells, which comes from the blood vessels, as this helps them to receive the same amount of nutrients and oxygen as a normal cell. The nutrients and oxygen are what make them survive and grow to stage 2
2. Stage: The cancer cells spread to the innermost part of the muscle cells
3. Stage: The tumour has now grown through all the layers of the stomach
4. Stage: As the tumour grows, it releases an enzyme that breaks down the normal cells. As this occurs, cancer cells break down and move across the other parts of the body, known as metastasis. They break away from the tumour and travel across the blood vessels and lymphatic systems.

How do stomach cancers spread?

As the tumour grows, it releases an enzyme that destroys normal cells and surrounding tissues, allowing the disease to spread. Cancer cells invade the nearby cells to escape into the circulation system. Once cancer cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, they can spread to other organs such as the liver, lungs, bones, and abdominal lining. This process of formation of secondary tumours is known as Metastasis. This makes treatment hard.⁶

Causes of stomach cancer

The stomach is the upper part of the digestive tract as it lies between the oesophagus and the small intestine, and the stomach has a larger space for the absorption of larger molecules and their breakdown.⁶ The movement of nutrients, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins passes through the stomach as it contains enzymes that digest them. After the breakdown of some of these molecules, nutrients are absorbed and sent to their site of need and to other digestive organs in the body.

It becomes cancerous and grows to other parts of the tissue, forming a tumour.

Risk factors 

There are some risk factors which may cause  an individual to develop stomach cancer and this includes :

1. Age: The risk increases with increasing age as some of our immune-fighting mechanisms weaken.
2. Smoking: tobacco use increases the risk of developing stomach cancer⁸
3. Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection: This bacterium increases the risk of cancer as it causes stomach inflammation and ulcers⁴
4. A diet high in salt and smoked food⁷
5. Family history: a genetic history will likely lead to stomach cancer

Symptoms

Fatigue: always feeling tired.

1. Severe, frequent heartburn
2. Nausea and occasional vomiting
3. Blood in the stool
4. Loss of appetite, which further leads to loss of weight
5. Feeling full after a small amount of food
6. Jaundice: yellowing of the skin and eyes

Diagnosis and treatment

The Doctor may ask about your family history or medical history to see if you have any risk factors associated with stomach cancer or if there are any family members with the disease. To make a diagnosis, the doctor may carry out one or more of the following tests. 

1. Imaging tests, e.g., CT scan and a special type of X-ray called barium swallow test
2. Endoscopy to visualise your stomach and look for signs of cancer. If any suspicious areas are found, a biopsy may be done
3. To check if the cancer has multiplied or metastasised, an exploratory surgery may be performed

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, personal preferences, and an individual’s overall health. 

1. Surgery involves removing a portion or all of the stomach to remove the cancer
2. Chemotherapy is the use of medications to eliminate or slow the growth of cancer cells
3. Radiation Therapy uses high-energy radiation to target and shrink malignancies
4. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are newer medicines that help the immune system fight cancer more effectively against the cancer

Conclusion

Stomach cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages and is frequently identified after it has progressed. Knowing the risk factors, symptoms, and how it spreads can lead to early discovery and more effective treatment. If you have persistent digestive problems or a family history of stomach cancer, it is preferable to see a doctor.