Stomach Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Hope
Receiving a diagnosis of Stomach Cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a profoundly serious and life-altering moment. It is a moment filled with uncertainty, fear, and an urgent need for clear, reliable information. We understand what you are going through. This comprehensive guide is designed to be your authoritative resource, helping you understand this complex disease, from the first symptoms of stomach cancer to the most advanced treatment options available. Our mission is to replace fear with knowledge and provide a clear path to hope and healing.
In the journey with stomach 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 together. 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.
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Meet Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe: Your Stomach Cancer Specialist
The surgical treatment of stomach 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.
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What Is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, begins when cells in the lining of the stomach 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 stomach cancer, but over 90% of cases are adenocarcinomas. This type of cancer develops from the cells that form the innermost lining (the mucosa) 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. The treatment and prognosis of stomach cancer depend heavily on how deeply it has invaded and whether it has spread.
Stomach Cancer Symptoms: Recognizing the Early Signs
One of the greatest challenges with stomach cancer is that in its early stages, it rarely causes symptoms. When the symptoms of stomach cancer do appear, they are often vague and can be mistaken for common, less serious stomach ailments like indigestion or a viral illness. This is why paying attention to persistent and unusual symptoms is so important.
Many patients who ask “how I knew I had stomach cancer” often describe a period of subtle feelings of being “off” before more concrete symptoms developed. The key is persistence; a simple stomach ache goes away, but the discomfort from stomach cancer does not.
The most common signs and symptoms of cancer of the stomach include:
- Persistent Indigestion and Heartburn: Heartburn that doesn’t go away or is not relieved by usual remedies.
- Abdominal Pain: A persistent ache or pain in the upper abdomen (the epigastric region).
- Feeling Full After Small Meals: A sense of early satiety, where you feel very full after eating only a small amount of food.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea, which may be accompanied by vomiting (sometimes with blood).
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): A feeling of food getting stuck in the throat or chest.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without dieting or increasing exercise.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling unusually tired and weak, which can be a sign of anemia from slow blood loss.
- Black, Tarry Stools: This can be a sign of bleeding in the stomach.
The main stomach cancer symptoms female patients experience are the same as those for males. There are no specific cancer symptoms in women stomach-related that are different from the general population. It is crucial for anyone experiencing these symptoms persistently to seek medical evaluation.
Some people ask about specific sounds, like “bowel cancer stomach noises.” It’s important to clarify that while digestive noises (borborygmi) are normal, any significant and persistent change in your digestive habits, including sounds, pain, or bowel movements, should be discussed with a doctor, but noises alone are not a specific sign of cancer.
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What Causes Stomach Cancer? Understanding the Risk Factors
The direct answer to “what causes stomach cancer” is a series of genetic mutations in the stomach lining cells, but several key risk factors are known to contribute to this process. The main causes of stomach cancer are a combination of infection, lifestyle, and genetics.
Major risk factors include:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: This is the single strongest risk factor. H. pylori is a common bacterium that can live in the stomach. Long-term infection can cause chronic inflammation (gastritis) and pre-cancerous changes in the stomach lining.
- Diet: A diet high in smoked, salted, and pickled foods and low in fresh fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of developing stomach cancer.
- Age and Gender: Stomach cancer is more common in men and in people over the age of 55.
- Family History and Genetics: While most cases are not hereditary, having a first-degree relative with stomach cancer can increase your risk. Rare genetic syndromes, like Lynch syndrome or hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), also carry a very high risk.
- Previous Stomach Surgery or Pernicious Anemia: Certain conditions that affect the stomach’s normal function can increase risk over the long term.
Stomach Cancer Treatments: A Multidisciplinary Approach
The effective treatment of stomach cancer requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of experts. Your personalized treatment plan will depend on the stage of the cancer. The primary pancreatic cancer treatments (this should be stomach cancer) include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
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Surgery: The Only Curative Treatment
For patients with localized stomach cancer (Stage I, II, or III), surgery is the cornerstone of treatment and offers the only potential for a cure. The goal is to completely remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue and nearby lymph nodes.
- Partial (Subtotal) Gastrectomy: If the cancer is located in the lower part of the stomach, the surgeon will remove that portion, along with nearby lymph nodes. The remaining stomach is then reconnected to the small intestine.
- Total Gastrectomy: If the cancer is in the upper part of the stomach or is widespread throughout the organ, the surgeon will perform a total gastrectomy, removing the entire stomach and nearby lymph nodes. The small intestine is then connected directly to the esophagus to restore the digestive tract.
A critical part of the operation is a **D2 lymphadenectomy**, which is the meticulous removal of all the lymph node groups around the stomach. This is essential for accurate staging and for removing any cancer that has spread to the nodes. Performing this advanced lymph node dissection requires a high degree of surgical skill and is a hallmark of expert stomach cancer surgery.
Chemotherapy and Other Drug Therapies
Chemotherapy plays a vital role in stomach cancer treatment.
- Perioperative Chemotherapy (Before and After Surgery): This is the standard of care in many Western countries. Patients receive a course of chemotherapy both before surgery (to shrink the tumor) and after surgery (to kill any remaining cancer cells).
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy (After Surgery): In some regions, chemotherapy is given only after the surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- For Advanced Cancer: For Stage IV cancer, chemotherapy is the main treatment to control the disease and improve quality of life.
In addition, advanced stomach cancers are now tested for specific biomarkers. Patients whose tumors are “HER2-positive” may receive a **targeted therapy** drug. Others whose tumors are “MSI-high” or have a high “PD-L1 score” may be candidates for powerful **immunotherapy** drugs.
Prognosis and Survival Rates: A Realistic Perspective
The prognosis for stomach 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 stomach 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.
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Key Takeaways
- A Serious Diagnosis Requiring Expertise: Stomach 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 signs of stomach cancer that should not be ignored.
- Surgery is the Cornerstone of Cure: For localized stomach 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.
Your Next Step: A Consultation with a Stomach Cancer Expert
A diagnosis of stomach 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 Stomach Cancer
Symptoms and Causes
1. What is the most common symptom of stomach cancer?
There is no single common symptom. Often, the earliest signs are vague, like persistent indigestion, heartburn, and a feeling of fullness.
2. What were your first symptoms of stomach cancer?
Many patients report that their first feelings were non-specific, such as a persistent stomach ache that felt different from normal indigestion, along with a loss of appetite and feeling full quickly.
3. Are the signs of stomach cancer in women different?
No, the stomach cancer symptoms female patients experience are the same as those for men. These include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and indigestion.
4. Can stomach cancer cause back pain?
Yes, if the tumor grows through the back of the stomach, it can press on nerves and cause persistent back pain.
5. Why does stomach cancer cause weight loss?
It can cause weight loss due to a combination of factors, including loss of appetite, feeling full early, and the cancer itself consuming the body’s energy.
6. What is the main cause of stomach cancer?
The single biggest risk factor is a chronic infection with the bacterium H. pylori.
7. Can diet cause stomach cancer?
Yes, a long-term diet high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods and low in fruits and vegetables is a significant risk factor.
8. Is stomach cancer genetic?
Most cases are not directly inherited. However, having a first-degree relative with stomach cancer, or having a rare hereditary syndrome like HDGC or Lynch syndrome, increases the risk.
9. Can stress cause stomach cancer?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that psychological stress directly causes stomach cancer.
10. Does alcohol cause stomach cancer?
While heavy alcohol use is a major risk factor for many cancers, the link is less strong for stomach cancer compared to smoking. However, limiting alcohol is always recommended for good health.
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Diagnosis and Staging
11. How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
The definitive diagnosis is made with an upper endoscopy (gastroscopy), during which a doctor passes a camera into the stomach and takes a biopsy (a small tissue sample) of any abnormal areas.
12. What is an endoscopy?
It is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is used to look inside your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine.
13. What tests are used for staging?
Staging is done with a CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to see if the cancer has spread. Sometimes a PET scan or diagnostic laparoscopy is also used.
14. What are the stages of stomach cancer?
The stages range from Stage I (early, confined to the stomach wall) to Stage IV (the cancer has spread to distant organs).
15. What is Stage 4 stomach cancer?
This means the cancer has metastasized, most commonly to the liver, lungs, or the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
16. Can a blood test detect stomach cancer?
There is no routine blood test for diagnosis. Tumor markers like CEA or CA 19-9 may be elevated but are not reliable enough for screening.
17. What is a diagnostic laparoscopy?
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a surgeon looks inside the abdomen with a camera to check for tiny spots of spread that may not be visible on a CT scan.
18. What does “adenocarcinoma” mean?
It is the medical term for a cancer that starts in glandular cells, which are the cells that line the inside of the stomach.
19. How important is getting a second opinion?
For a major diagnosis like stomach cancer, a second opinion from a specialist team at a high-volume center is highly recommended.
20. Why is staging so important?
Staging is critical because it determines the treatment plan. Surgery is only an option for localized disease (Stages I-III).
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Treatment: Surgery
21. What is the main surgical procedure for stomach cancer?
The surgery is called a gastrectomy, which means removal of the stomach.
22. What is a partial or subtotal gastrectomy?
This is the removal of a part of the stomach, typically the lower half, for cancers located in that area.
23. What is a total gastrectomy?
This is the complete removal of the entire stomach, for cancers located in the upper part or spread throughout the organ.
24. Can you live without a stomach?
Yes, you can. After a total gastrectomy, the surgeon connects your esophagus directly to your small intestine, and you learn to eat small, frequent meals.
25. What is a D2 lymphadenectomy?
This is the standard and essential part of stomach cancer surgery where the surgeon meticulously removes all the groups of lymph nodes around the stomach. This is critical for curing the disease.
26. Is a D2 lymphadenectomy always necessary?
Yes, for any curative-intent stomach cancer surgery, a proper D2 lymph node dissection is the standard of care and is a sign of an expert surgeon.
27. How long does stomach cancer surgery take?
A gastrectomy is a major operation that can take from 3 to 5 hours.
28. Can the surgery be done laparoscopically or robotically?
Yes, in the hands of a skilled surgeon, both partial and total gastrectomies can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which can lead to a faster recovery.
29. What is the recovery like after surgery?
It involves a hospital stay of about 5-10 days and a home recovery period of 6-8 weeks before returning to normal activities.
30. Is stomach cancer surgery the only treatment I will need?
For very early stage cancers, yes. But for most Stage IB cancers and higher, surgery is combined with chemotherapy.
Treatment: Other Therapies
31. What is the role of chemotherapy in stomach cancer?
Chemotherapy is used to shrink tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant) and/or to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery (adjuvant) to reduce the risk of recurrence.
32. What is perioperative chemotherapy?
This is the current standard of care in many places, where a patient receives chemotherapy both before and after surgery.
33. What is the main chemotherapy regimen used?
A common and effective regimen is called FLOT (5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel).
34. What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, and low blood counts, but these are actively managed by your oncology team.
35. What is HER2-positive stomach cancer?
About 20% of stomach cancers have too much of a protein called HER2. These patients can benefit from a targeted therapy drug called trastuzumab (Herceptin) added to their chemotherapy.
36. What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps your own immune system fight the cancer. It is effective for a subset of stomach cancer patients whose tumors have a specific biomarker (like PD-L1 expression or MSI-high status).
37. Is radiation used for stomach cancer?
Radiation is used less commonly than in the past, but it may be combined with chemotherapy after surgery, particularly if the surgeon was not able to get a completely clean margin.
38. What is the treatment for Stage 4 stomach cancer?
The treatment is palliative and focuses on chemotherapy, and sometimes targeted therapy or immunotherapy, to control the disease and improve quality of life.
39. Can Stage 4 stomach cancer be cured?
No, Stage 4 stomach cancer is not considered curable, but modern treatments can often control it for significant periods.
40. What is a clinical trial?
It is a research study that allows patients to access new and promising treatments. It can be a very good option, especially for advanced disease.
Life After Surgery
41. What is the diet like after a total gastrectomy?
You will need to eat very small, frequent meals (6-8 per day) and sip liquids between meals, not with them. You will work closely with a dietitian.
42. Will I lose weight after the surgery?
Yes, most patients lose a significant amount of weight and must work hard to maintain their weight long-term.
43. What is “dumping syndrome”?
This is a condition after gastrectomy where eating high-sugar foods can cause symptoms like cramping, sweating, and diarrhea. It serves as a strong deterrent to eating sweets.
44. Will I need vitamin injections?
Yes, after a total gastrectomy, you will need regular Vitamin B12 injections for the rest of your life because the part of the stomach that absorbs it is gone.
45. Can I eat all the same foods as before?
No, your diet will change permanently. You will need to focus on protein and nutrient-dense foods and avoid simple sugars and high-fat items.
46. Will I be able to enjoy food again?
Yes. While your relationship with food will change, you can absolutely enjoy flavorful, healthy food in your new, smaller portions.
47. Will I need a feeding tube?
Some patients may have a temporary feeding tube placed during surgery to provide nutrition during the initial recovery period.
48. How do I prevent dumping syndrome?
By avoiding sugary foods and drinks, eating small meals, and not drinking liquids with your meals.
49. What is the recovery time from surgery?
The hospital stay is about a week, but full recovery of energy and strength can take 2-3 months.
50. Can I exercise after surgery?
Yes, walking is encouraged immediately. After about 6-8 weeks, you can gradually return to more strenuous activities.
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Prognosis and Miscellaneous
51. What is the survival rate for stomach cancer?
The 5-year survival rate is highly dependent on stage. It can be over 70% for Stage I disease but is much lower for Stage IV.
52. Why is an expert surgeon so important for my prognosis?
Because an expert surgeon is more likely to perform a complete cancer operation with a proper D2 lymph node dissection, which is the most critical factor for a cure.
53. What is an R0 resection?
It means the surgeon removed all visible and microscopic tumor with “clean margins.” This is the goal of curative surgery.
54. Can the cancer come back?
Yes, there is a risk of recurrence, which is why chemotherapy is given after surgery.
55. Where does stomach cancer usually spread?
It most commonly spreads to the liver, the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), and distant lymph nodes.
56. Is it true that H. pylori causes ulcers?
Yes, in addition to being a risk factor for cancer, H. pylori is a major cause of stomach ulcers.
57. Should I be tested for H. pylori?
If you have persistent stomach issues, your doctor may recommend testing for H. pylori. If positive, it can be treated with a course of antibiotics.
58. What is the most important thing I can do after my diagnosis?
Seek a second opinion from a high-volume center that specializes in stomach cancer to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, expert-recommended treatment plan.
59. How do I find the best surgeon?
Look for a surgical oncologist who performs a high volume of gastrectomies per year and works as part of a multidisciplinary team.
60. Why choose Prof. Dr. Karatepe?
His extensive 25+ years of experience and specialization in complex gastrointestinal cancer surgery make him a world-class choice.
61. What is the first step to get a consultation?
Contact our international patient office. They will guide you on how to submit your medical records for an expert review.
62. Can I prevent stomach cancer?
You can lower your risk by treating H. pylori infection, not smoking, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
63. Is indigestion always a sign of cancer?
No, indigestion is extremely common and is usually caused by benign conditions. It’s only a concern if it is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other warning signs.
64. What is a GIST?
A Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is a much rarer type of stomach cancer that starts in different cells and has a very different treatment (often with a targeted therapy pill called Gleevec).
65. What is stomach lymphoma?
This is another rare cancer of the stomach that arises from immune system cells. Its treatment is very different from adenocarcinoma.
66. How long will I need follow-up care?
You will need regular check-ups and surveillance scans for at least 5 years after your treatment ends.
67. What are the signs of recurrence?
They can be similar to the original symptoms. Any new, persistent symptom should be reported to your doctor immediately.
68. Can I travel after surgery?
Yes, once you have fully recovered, you can travel freely, though you may need to plan meals more carefully.
69. Will I need to stop working?
You will need to take a significant amount of time off for surgery and recovery, typically at least 2-3 months.
70. What support is available for patients?
There are many excellent patient advocacy groups, such as Debbie’s Dream Foundation and No Stomach For Cancer, that provide resources and support.
71. What if I am too weak for surgery?
Sometimes, a course of neoadjuvant (pre-operative) chemotherapy can shrink the tumor and improve your strength, making you a better candidate for surgery.
72. How is anemia related to stomach cancer?
A tumor can cause slow, chronic bleeding inside the stomach, leading to a low red blood cell count (anemia), which causes fatigue and weakness.
73. Does the location of the tumor in the stomach matter?
Yes, very much. It determines the type of surgery (partial vs. total gastrectomy).
74. What is the cardia?
The cardia is the very top part of the stomach where it connects to the esophagus. Cancers here are often treated similarly to esophageal cancer.
75. How can my family help?
By providing emotional support, helping with practical tasks during recovery, and attending appointments to help listen and process information.
76. Is it okay to be scared?
Yes, it is completely normal to be scared. The best way to combat fear is with a clear, expert-led plan.
77. Will I have a feeding tube?
It is common to have a temporary feeding tube (a J-tube) placed during a total gastrectomy to provide nutrition while you heal.
78. How do I manage eating in social situations?
You will learn to explain that you can only eat very small portions and to focus on the social interaction rather than the food itself.
79. What is a CT scan?
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body to see the extent of the cancer.
80. What is a PET scan?
A PET scan is a type of nuclear medicine scan that can help detect if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
81. Will my sense of taste change?
Some patients report changes in taste during and after chemotherapy, but this is usually temporary.
82. What is a “signet ring cell” carcinoma?
This is a more aggressive subtype of stomach adenocarcinoma that can be more difficult to treat.
83. What is a “linitis plastica”?
This is a rare type of stomach cancer where the cancer cells spread throughout the stomach wall, making it thick and rigid like a leather bottle. It has a poor prognosis.
84. Can I get a second opinion on my biopsy?
Yes, having the pathology slides reviewed by an expert pathologist is an important part of a comprehensive second opinion.
85. What is the most important question to ask a surgeon?
“How many gastrectomies with D2 lymphadenectomy do you perform for cancer each year?” Experience is critical.
86. Why is a D2 lymphadenectomy so important?
Because stomach cancer spreads through the lymph system. Removing these nodes is essential to remove all the cancer and to accurately stage the disease to guide chemotherapy decisions.
87. Will I always feel full?
You will feel full very quickly after eating a small amount. This is a permanent change you will adapt to.
88. Can I gain weight back after surgery?
While some weight regain is common as you adapt, it is very difficult to become overweight again. The bigger challenge for many is maintaining a healthy weight.
89. What is the difference between chemotherapy and targeted therapy?
Chemotherapy kills all rapidly dividing cells (cancer and some healthy cells). Targeted therapy is more precise, attacking only cancer cells with a specific marker.
90. How do I know if I am a candidate for immunotherapy?
Your tumor biopsy will be tested for biomarkers like PD-L1 and MSI status to see if you are likely to respond to this treatment.
91. Is surgery an emergency?
While treatment is urgent, stomach cancer surgery is not an emergency. There is time to get a proper workup and a second opinion to ensure you have the best possible plan.
92. What if I have other health problems?
Your team will work to optimize your other conditions, like heart or lung disease, to make surgery as safe as possible.
93. Can I have children after treatment?
Chemotherapy can affect fertility. This is a discussion you should have with your oncologist before starting treatment if it is a concern.
94. What is the most positive message you can give me?
That there are effective treatments, and with an expert team and a comprehensive plan, there is real hope for long-term survival and a cure.
95. Will I need blood thinners after surgery?
Yes, you will receive blood thinners during and after your hospital stay to prevent blood clots.
96. What does “palliative” mean?
Palliative care is focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. It can be given at any stage of illness, alongside curative treatment.
97. Who will manage my care after surgery?
Your care will be co-managed by your surgeon and a medical oncologist.
98. Why is Japan and Korea’s survival rate higher?
They have national screening programs that detect stomach cancer at a very early stage, when it is most curable. They also have a very high concentration of expert surgeons.
99. Can I ever be considered “cured”?
If you remain cancer-free for 5 years after treatment, you are generally considered to have a very high chance of being cured, with a very low risk of the cancer returning.
100. I’m scared but I’m ready to fight. What is my first step?
Your first step is to channel that fighting spirit into action. Contact our team for an expert consultation to build your winning game plan.
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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.