Gastric Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment
Receiving a diagnosis of Gastric Cancer, also commonly known as stomach cancer, is a profoundly serious and life-altering moment. It brings an immediate rush of fear, uncertainty, and an urgent need for clear, reliable information. We understand the journey you are beginning. This comprehensive guide is designed to be your authoritative resource, helping you understand this complex disease, from the very first gastric cancer signs to the most advanced treatment options available. Our mission is to empower you with knowledge and provide a clear path toward hope and expert care.
In the fight against gastric cancer, the expertise of your medical team is the most critical factor influencing your outcome. Effective treatment requires a highly skilled surgeon and a multidisciplinary team of specialists working in unison. At our center, under the leadership of world-renowned surgical oncologist Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe, we are dedicated to providing this exact level of care. We combine cutting-edge surgical techniques with compassionate, patient-first support to fight this disease alongside you.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
Meet Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe: Your Gastric Cancer Specialist
The surgical treatment of gastric cancer is a demanding and highly specialized field. It requires a surgeon with extensive experience in gastrointestinal surgical oncology. We are proud to have Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe, a world-class general and cancer surgeon, at the helm of our team.
With an esteemed career spanning over 25 years, Prof. Dr. Karatepe is recognized globally as a leading expert in performing complex cancer operations of the digestive system. His authority is supported by his advanced training at the world’s premier medical institutions and his contribution of more than 100 prestigious national and international academic publications. He has mastered the intricate procedures required for stomach cancer, including total and partial gastrectomies with advanced lymph node dissection. Patients from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and worldwide trust Prof. Dr. Karatepe for his meticulous surgical skill and his commitment to achieving the best possible oncological outcomes. When facing this diagnosis, you deserve the confidence that comes from being in the care of a true master of the field. We are here to provide that for you.
With over 25 years of experience in complex cancer surgery, we are here to support you. Contact us now for an expert opinion.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
What Is Gastric Cancer?
Gastric cancer begins when cells in the lining of the stomach (the gastric mucosa) start to grow out of control. The stomach is a J-shaped organ in the upper abdomen that is part of the digestive system. It produces acid and enzymes that help digest food before passing it to the small intestine.
There are several types of cancer that can occur in the stomach, but over 90% of cases are adenocarcinomas. This type of cancer develops from the cells that form the innermost glandular lining of the stomach. As the cancer grows, it can invade deeper into the stomach wall and may spread to nearby lymph nodes and, eventually, to other organs like the liver or lungs. The treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer depend heavily on how deeply it has invaded and whether it has spread at the time of diagnosis.
Gastric Cancer Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs
One of the greatest challenges with gastric cancer is that in its early stages, it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. When the gastric cancer symptoms do appear, they are often vague and can be easily mistaken for more common, less serious conditions like indigestion, acid reflux, or a stomach virus. This is why paying close attention to symptoms that are persistent, unusual for you, or worsening over time is so important.
The combination of gastric cancer symptoms signs is what should prompt a medical evaluation. A single symptom may not be alarming, but a pattern of them is a red flag.
The most common signs of gastric cancer include:
- Persistent Indigestion (Dyspepsia) and Heartburn: Discomfort that doesn’t go away or is not relieved by typical antacids. This is one of the most common, though non-specific, early signs.
- Upper Abdominal Pain: A persistent ache or gnawing pain, typically in the center of the upper abdomen (the “pit” of your stomach).
- Early Satiety: A distinct feeling of getting full very quickly after eating only a small amount of food.
- Persistent Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach frequently, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. Vomit may sometimes contain blood.
- Loss of Appetite: A general disinterest in food.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): A sensation of food getting stuck as you swallow, particularly if the tumor is located at the top of the stomach near the esophagus.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight when you are not trying to is a very common and significant sign of many cancers, including gastric cancer.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling profoundly tired and weak, which can be a sign of anemia caused by slow, chronic bleeding from the tumor.
- Bloating: A feeling of being bloated or swollen after meals.
- Black or Tarry Stools: This indicates bleeding high up in the digestive tract, as the blood is digested.
It is important to note that the primary gastric cancer symptoms signs are the same for all genders. There are no unique symptoms specific only to men or women.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
Causes and Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer
While the exact cause of the cellular changes that lead to gastric cancer is not always known, a number of key risk factors have been clearly identified. The development of gastric cancer is typically a multi-step process driven by a combination of chronic inflammation, infection, and lifestyle factors.
Major risk factors include:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: This common bacterium is the single strongest risk factor for gastric cancer. A chronic H. pylori infection can lead to persistent inflammation (chronic atrophic gastritis) and pre-cancerous changes in the stomach lining over many years.
- Dietary Habits: A diet high in smoked, salted, and pickled foods is strongly associated with an increased risk. Conversely, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can be protective.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking doubles the risk of developing gastric cancer, particularly for cancers in the upper part of the stomach near the esophagus.
- Age and Gender: Gastric cancer is more common in men and the risk increases significantly after the age of 50.
- Pernicious Anemia: This condition, where the body cannot make enough red blood cells because it can’t absorb vitamin B12, is linked to an increased risk.
- Family History and Genetics: While most gastric cancer is not hereditary, having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with the disease can increase your risk. Additionally, rare inherited genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) carry a very high lifetime risk.
- Previous Stomach Surgery: Individuals who have had part of their stomach removed for other reasons, like ulcers, have a slightly increased risk many years later.
The Treatment of Gastric Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach
The effective treatment of gastric cancer requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of experts, including a surgical oncologist, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a gastroenterologist, a radiologist, and a pathologist. Your personalized treatment plan will depend on the stage of the cancer (how far it has spread).
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
Surgery: The Cornerstone of a Cure
For patients with localized gastric cancer (Stage I, II, or III), surgery is the most important part of treatment and offers the only potential for a cure. The goal is always a complete removal of the tumor along with a wide margin of healthy tissue and all the nearby lymph nodes.
- Partial (Subtotal) Gastrectomy: If the cancer is in the lower part of the stomach, the surgeon removes that portion. The remaining stomach is then reconnected to the small intestine.
- Total Gastrectomy: If the cancer is in the upper part of the stomach or affects the entire organ, the surgeon removes the whole stomach. The esophagus is then connected directly to the small intestine to reconstruct the digestive tract.
A critical component of a proper cancer operation is the **D2 lymphadenectomy**. This is the meticulous and systematic removal of all the lymph node groups that surround the stomach. This step is essential for two reasons: 1) It removes any cancer that has spread to the nodes, and 2) It allows the pathologist to accurately stage the disease, which guides the need for further treatment. Performing an adequate D2 lymphadenectomy requires a high degree of surgical skill and is a hallmark of an expert gastric cancer surgeon.
Chemotherapy and Other Therapies
Chemotherapy plays a vital role in nearly all stages of gastric cancer treatment.
- Perioperative Chemotherapy: This is the standard of care in many parts of the world. Patients receive several cycles of chemotherapy *before* surgery to shrink the tumor and treat microscopic disease, and then another several cycles *after* surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy is given only after surgery.
- Palliative Chemotherapy: For Stage IV (metastatic) cancer, chemotherapy is the primary treatment. Its goal is not to cure, but to control the cancer, relieve symptoms, and extend life.
In addition to chemotherapy, newer drug therapies are used for advanced cancer based on tumor biomarkers. This can include **targeted therapy** for HER2-positive cancers and **immunotherapy** for cancers with high PD-L1 expression or MSI-high status.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
Prognosis and Survival Rates: A Realistic Perspective
The prognosis for gastric cancer is highly dependent on the stage at which it is diagnosed. When caught at an early, localized stage, the chances for a cure are good. The 5-year survival rate for Stage I gastric cancer treated with surgery can be over 70%.
For more advanced stages that are still operable, the combination of chemotherapy and expert surgery can still offer a chance at a cure, with 5-year survival rates in the range of 30-50%. The most important factors for a good outcome are an early diagnosis and a complete surgical resection (an R0 resection) with an adequate lymph node dissection, performed by an experienced surgical oncologist.
For Stage IV stomach cancer, the disease is not considered curable, but modern chemotherapy and targeted therapies can control the disease for months or even years, maintaining a good quality of life for patients.
Key Takeaways
- A Serious Diagnosis Requiring Expertise: Gastric cancer is a complex disease where the skill of the surgeon and medical team directly impacts the outcome.
- Symptoms Can Be Vague: Persistent indigestion, abdominal pain, and feeling full quickly are potential gastric cancer signs that should not be ignored.
- Surgery is the Cornerstone of Cure: For localized gastric cancer, a complete surgical removal of the tumor and lymph nodes (a gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy) is the only potential cure.
- Treatment is Multidisciplinary: The best results are achieved by combining expert surgery with chemotherapy and, in some cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
- Hope is Found in Expert Care: While a challenging disease, there are effective treatments. Seeking care from a high-volume specialist center offers the best possible chance for a successful outcome.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
Your Next Step: A Consultation with a Gastric Cancer Expert
A diagnosis of gastric cancer demands a clear, decisive, and expert-led plan of action. The most important step you can take right now is to consult with a specialist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and lay out all of your treatment options. A second opinion from a high-volume surgical oncologist can be invaluable in ensuring you are on the right path.
Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe has dedicated his career to mastering the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. With his over 25 years of experience, he possesses the skill required to perform the complex gastrectomies and advanced lymph node dissections that are critical for a successful outcome. He and our entire team understand the physical and emotional weight of this diagnosis. We are here to meet it with world-class surgical care, a comprehensive treatment strategy, and unwavering support.
You deserve to have one of the world’s leading experts in your corner for this fight. We are here to be that expert for you.
Contact us now to arrange a confidential consultation for you or a loved one. Let us provide the expert opinion and definitive plan you need to face this challenge with confidence and hope.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gastric Cancer
Symptoms and Causes
1. What are the most common gastric cancer symptoms?
The most common initial symptoms are often vague and can include persistent indigestion, upper abdominal pain, feeling full after eating a small meal, and heartburn.
2. What are the early signs of gastric cancer?
Early gastric cancer signs can be very subtle. They might include a change in appetite, mild nausea, or a feeling of discomfort in the stomach that doesn’t go away.
3. Are gastric cancer symptoms signs different for men and women?
No, the symptoms are the same for all genders. There are no specific symptoms unique to women or men.
4. Can you have gastric cancer without any symptoms?
Yes, in its very early stages, gastric cancer may cause no symptoms at all, which is a major reason it can be difficult to detect early.
5. What is the main cause of gastric cancer?
The single biggest risk factor is a long-term infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which causes chronic stomach inflammation.
6. Is gastric cancer hereditary?
Most cases are not. However, your risk is higher if you have a first-degree relative with the disease or if your family carries a rare genetic syndrome like hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC).
7. Does diet cause gastric cancer?
A diet high in salt-preserved, smoked, and pickled foods is a significant risk factor. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is protective.
8. Does smoking cause gastric cancer?
Yes, smoking is a major risk factor and is thought to be responsible for about 1 in 5 cases of stomach cancer.
9. Can stomach ulcers turn into cancer?
Stomach ulcers themselves do not turn into cancer. However, the same H. pylori infection that causes many ulcers is also the main risk factor for cancer.
10. Can acid reflux cause gastric cancer?
Chronic acid reflux can increase the risk of cancer of the esophagus, but it’s more associated with cancers at the very top of the stomach (the cardia).
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
Diagnosis and Staging
11. How is gastric cancer diagnosed?
The gold standard for diagnosis is an upper endoscopy (also called a gastroscopy) with a biopsy. A doctor uses a camera to look inside the stomach and take a tissue sample.
12. What is an endoscopy?
It is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is passed through your mouth to examine your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine.
13. How do doctors stage gastric cancer?
Staging involves a combination of a CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, and sometimes a PET scan or diagnostic laparoscopy to see how far the cancer has spread.
14. What are the stages of gastric cancer?
The stages range from Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ, very early) to Stage IV (metastatic, cancer has spread to distant organs).
15. What does Stage 4 gastric cancer mean?
It means the cancer has spread beyond the stomach and nearby lymph nodes to distant sites like the liver, lungs, or the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
16. Is Stage 4 gastric cancer treatable?
It is treatable but not curable. Treatment with chemotherapy and other drugs is aimed at controlling the disease and improving quality of life.
17. Can you see gastric cancer on an ultrasound?
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a special type of ultrasound that can be very good at seeing how deeply a tumor has grown into the stomach wall.
18. What is a PET scan?
A PET scan is an imaging test that can help detect cancer spread by looking for areas of high metabolic activity in the body.
19. What does “adenocarcinoma” mean?
This is the medical name for the most common type of gastric cancer, which arises from the glandular cells that line the stomach.
20. How important is it to get a second opinion?
For a serious diagnosis like gastric cancer, getting a second opinion from a specialist team at a high-volume center is highly recommended to ensure you have the best possible treatment plan.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
Treatment and Surgery
21. What is the main treatment for curable gastric cancer?
A combination of surgery (a gastrectomy) and chemotherapy.
22. What is a gastrectomy?
It is the surgical removal of part (partial or subtotal gastrectomy) or all (total gastrectomy) of the stomach.
23. Do I need to have my whole stomach removed?
This depends on the location and size of the tumor. Your surgeon will aim to preserve as much of the stomach as is safely possible.
24. Can you live without a stomach?
Yes. After a total gastrectomy, the surgeon connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine. You can live a full life but will need to eat small, frequent meals.
25. What is a D2 lymphadenectomy?
This is a critical part of the cancer operation where the surgeon removes at least 16 lymph nodes from all the specific groups around the stomach. This is essential for a potential cure.
26. Is surgery the first step?
Not always. The current standard of care is often perioperative chemotherapy, meaning you receive chemotherapy *before* and *after* your surgery.
27. Why have chemotherapy before surgery?
To shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove completely, and to treat any microscopic cancer cells that may have already spread.
28. Is surgery very risky?
It is a major operation, but in the hands of an experienced surgical oncologist at a high-volume center, the risks are well-managed and the safety is high.
29. How long is the recovery from surgery?
Recovery involves a hospital stay of about one week, and a home recovery period of 6-8 weeks before you start to feel your strength return.
30. What is immunotherapy for gastric cancer?
It is a newer treatment that uses your own immune system to fight the cancer. It is effective for a subset of patients whose tumors have certain biomarkers (e.g., PD-L1 positive).
Life After Treatment
31. What is the diet like after stomach surgery?
You will need to eat small, frequent meals (6-8 per day). After a total gastrectomy, you must also avoid high-sugar foods to prevent “dumping syndrome.”
32. What is dumping syndrome?
This is a condition where food, especially sugar, “dumps” too quickly from the stomach pouch into the intestine, causing symptoms like cramps, sweating, and diarrhea.
33. Will I need vitamin supplements?
Yes. After a gastrectomy, you will have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients and will need lifelong supplements, including a regular Vitamin B12 injection.
34. Can I go back to a normal life?
Yes, after the treatment and recovery period, the goal is for you to return to a full and active life, with permanent adjustments to your diet.
35. How often will I need follow-up appointments?
You will have regular follow-ups with scans and blood tests for at least five years after treatment to monitor for any recurrence.
36. Can gastric cancer come back?
Yes, there is a risk of recurrence, which is why chemotherapy is given after surgery.
37. What are the signs of recurrence?
The signs can be similar to the original symptoms. Any new, persistent symptom should be reported to your medical team.
38. What is the prognosis for gastric cancer?
The prognosis is highly dependent on the stage at diagnosis. The earlier it is found and treated, the better the prognosis.
39. Can I exercise after treatment?
Yes, regular, gentle exercise is encouraged to help regain strength and improve well-being.
40. Will I be able to enjoy food again?
Yes. Your relationship with food will change, but you will learn to enjoy healthy, flavorful foods in your new, smaller portions.
41. What is the most important factor in a good outcome?
A complete surgical removal (R0 resection) of the cancer and associated lymph nodes by an expert surgeon, combined with effective chemotherapy.
42. How long after surgery does chemotherapy start?
Typically, you will wait until you have recovered sufficiently from the operation, usually about 6-8 weeks.
43. Can I work during chemotherapy?
Some people can continue to work on a modified schedule, while others find it necessary to take time off.
44. What is the role of a dietitian?
A dietitian is a crucial member of your team who will help you navigate the dietary changes required after surgery.
45. Will I lose a lot of weight?
Yes, most patients lose weight after a gastrectomy and must make a conscious effort to consume enough calories and protein to maintain a healthy weight.
46. What is the survival rate for early gastric cancer?
For Stage I gastric cancer, the 5-year survival rate after treatment is often greater than 70%.
47. What is the survival rate for Stage 4 gastric cancer?
Stage 4 is not considered curable, and the median survival is often around one year, though some people live much longer with modern treatments.
48. Why is an expert surgeon so important?
An expert surgeon who performs many gastrectomies has lower complication rates and is more likely to perform a complete D2 lymph node dissection, which is critical for survival.
49. What is H. pylori and how is it treated?
It is a bacterium that infects the stomach. It can be diagnosed with a breath test or biopsy and is treated with a one-to-two-week course of multiple antibiotics.
50. If I treat my H. pylori, will my cancer risk go away?
Treating H. pylori can prevent cancer from developing, but if pre-cancerous changes have already occurred, the risk may remain, and surveillance is needed.
51. What is a GIST?
A Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is a much rarer type of stomach cancer that starts in different cells and is treated very differently, often with a targeted therapy pill.
52. What is gastric lymphoma?
A rare cancer of the stomach’s immune system tissue. Some types linked to H. pylori can actually be cured just by treating the infection with antibiotics.
53. What is a “signet ring cell” cancer?
This is a specific subtype of adenocarcinoma that can sometimes be more aggressive and spread more easily.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
54. What is a “linitis plastica”?
This is a rare and aggressive form of gastric cancer where the cancer cells diffusely infiltrate the stomach wall, making it thick and rigid. It has a poor prognosis.
55. Is it true that gastric cancer is more common in some countries?
Yes, it is much more common in East Asia (Japan, Korea, China) and parts of South America than in North America or Europe, largely due to higher rates of H. pylori and dietary factors.
56. Why is the survival rate better in Japan and Korea?
They have national endoscopic screening programs that detect the cancer at a very early, curable stage. Their surgeons also have immense experience due to the high volume of cases.
57. Is there a screening program in the US or UK?
No, there is no routine screening for the general population because the disease is less common.
58. Will I need a feeding tube after surgery?
A temporary feeding tube (called a J-tube) is often placed during a total gastrectomy to provide nutrition directly into the intestine while you heal.
59. What happens to the tube?
It is usually removed in an outpatient clinic several weeks after surgery once you are eating and drinking enough on your own.
60. Will I have a large scar?
An open gastrectomy will leave a large scar down the midline of your abdomen. A laparoscopic or robotic surgery will leave several smaller scars.
61. Can I travel after my treatment?
Yes, once you have fully recovered, you can travel, although you will need to be mindful of your dietary needs.
62. Why is a D2 lymphadenectomy considered the standard?
Extensive research has shown that removing these specific lymph node groups improves staging accuracy and survival rates compared to a more limited removal.
63. Can I have surgery if the cancer has spread to just one lymph node?
Yes. The purpose of the lymph node dissection is to remove nodes that contain cancer. Having positive nodes is an indication for chemotherapy but not a contraindication for surgery.
64. What if the cancer is at the junction of the esophagus and stomach?
This is called a gastro-esophageal (GE) junction cancer and is often treated more like an esophageal cancer, which may involve a different surgical approach and the addition of radiation therapy.
65. How do I prepare myself mentally for the treatment?
Focus on one step at a time. Trust your expert team, rely on your support system, and allow yourself to feel and process your emotions.
66. What is the role of a patient navigator?
A navigator is a person who helps guide you through the complexities of cancer care, coordinating appointments and providing resources.
67. What is a “complete response” to chemotherapy?
This means that after pre-operative chemotherapy, there is no evidence of any remaining cancer in the tissue removed at surgery. This is an excellent prognostic sign.
68. Will I have to have my spleen removed?
If the tumor is in the upper part of the stomach near the spleen, sometimes the spleen must be removed as part of the operation to ensure a clean margin.
69. Does having no spleen cause problems?
You can live a normal life without a spleen, but you will need to receive specific vaccinations to protect you from certain bacterial infections.
70. What are the side effects of immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy can cause the immune system to attack healthy organs, leading to side effects like skin rashes, diarrhea, or inflammation of the lungs or liver.
71. What does HER2 testing involve?
The pathologist tests a sample of your tumor biopsy to see if the cancer cells have extra copies of the HER2 gene.
72. How do I get tested for PD-L1 or MSI status?
This is also done by the pathologist on your tumor sample to determine if you are a candidate for immunotherapy.
73. What is the first step to get a consultation?
Contact our international patient office. They will guide you on how to send your medical records for an expert review with Prof. Dr. Karatepe.
74. Can you review my case if I am from the UK or USA?
Yes, we specialize in providing expert consultations and second opinions for patients from all over the world.
75. How quickly can I start treatment?
We understand the urgency. Once a treatment plan is established, we can facilitate the start of your care very quickly.
76. What if I am told I am inoperable?
It is always worth getting a second opinion from a high-volume surgical oncologist, as they may have more experience or offer pre-operative chemotherapy to convert you into a surgical candidate.
77. Is there a link between GERD and gastric cancer?
Yes, long-standing GERD is a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus and the very top part of the stomach (the cardia).
78. Will my heartburn go away after surgery?
Removing the stomach, the source of acid, can resolve heartburn issues.
79. Can I get a second cancer later?
While rare, cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can slightly increase the risk of developing a different cancer years later.
80. Why is it important to stop smoking before surgery?
Smoking severely impairs wound healing and increases the risk of serious lung and heart complications during and after a major operation.
81. How long is a course of chemotherapy?
Perioperative or adjuvant chemotherapy typically lasts for a total of 4-6 months, divided into cycles.
82. What is the most important question to ask my surgeon?
“How many gastrectomies with D2 lymphadenectomy do you perform for cancer each year?” Experience is the key to a good outcome.
83. What is an R0 resection and why does it matter?
R0 means a complete microscopic removal of the tumor. It is the single most important surgical factor for achieving a cure.
84. What if the surgeon finds more cancer during the operation?
An experienced surgeon will adapt the plan. They may need to perform a more extensive resection or, if widespread disease is found, may stop the curative surgery to avoid an operation with no benefit.
85. What is the difference between “gastric cancer” and “stomach cancer”?
They mean the same thing. “Gastric cancer” is the more formal medical term.
86. Can I still feel hunger without a stomach?
The hormonal signals for hunger change, but you will learn to recognize a different kind of “head hunger” or know it’s time to eat based on a schedule.
87. What is the role of a support group?
Connecting with other patients who have been through the same journey can provide invaluable practical advice and emotional support.
88. What is the most hopeful news about gastric cancer?
That with modern combination therapy (chemo + surgery) delivered by an expert team, the cure rates, even for locally advanced disease, are better than they have ever been.
89. Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
While not always required, working with a physical therapist can help you regain your strength and mobility more quickly after a long hospital stay.
90. How do I manage the emotional impact of this diagnosis?
Acknowledge your feelings, lean on your support system, and don’t be afraid to speak with a professional counselor who specializes in working with cancer patients.
91. How much water should I drink?
Staying hydrated is important, but after surgery, you must sip fluids slowly throughout the day and avoid drinking with your meals.
92. Can I eat whatever I want once I recover?
No, you will have a new, lifelong relationship with food, focused on small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals.
93. What is the best source of information?
Your specialist medical team. While online resources are helpful, your treatment must be guided by your doctors.
94. Is robotic surgery less invasive?
It is still a major operation on the inside, but it uses smaller incisions on the outside, which can lead to less pain and a faster recovery.
95. What if I am an older adult? Can I tolerate the treatment?
Age itself is not a barrier. Treatment decisions are based on your “physiologic age” or overall fitness, not the number of years you have lived.
96. Does a family history of colon cancer increase my risk?
If it is related to a specific genetic syndrome like Lynch syndrome, then yes. Otherwise, generally not.
97. What is a “signet ring” cell?
It is a specific appearance of a cancer cell under the microscope that can sometimes indicate a more aggressive form of gastric cancer.
98. Can I get a copy of my pathology report?
Yes, you are always entitled to your medical records, and this report is crucial for understanding your diagnosis.
99. How will I know if I am cured?
If you remain cancer-free for 5 years after your treatment, with no signs of recurrence on your follow-up scans, you are generally considered to be cured.
100. I have a diagnosis and I’m scared. What do I do right now?
Take a deep breath. Your immediate next step is to channel that fear into action by getting a consultation with a true expert. A clear plan is the best antidote to fear.
Contact & WhatsApp: +90 530 917 30 30
References
We base our practice and information on the highest standards set by leading global medical authorities and cancer research organizations. The content on this page is informed by:
- The American Cancer Society (ACS). (n.d.). Stomach Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer.html
- Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). Stomach cancer. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/stomach-cancer
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). (n.d.). Stomach (Gastric) Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/patient/stomach-treatment-pdq
Please note: This information is for general purposes only. For personalized treatment advice, please contact us directly.