What is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month?

• Written by Rashmi Rai

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Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is a global healthcare event that has been observed for  the past 12 years. Being organised in the month of November, it shines a spotlight on one of the most overlooked cancers worldwide. This month is dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging early detection, and supporting vital research. Join a global movement to better understand stomach cancer, spread hope, and empower those affected through knowledge and advocacy.

Importance of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month 

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is crucial for raising awareness about stomach cancer. This month encourages education on recognising symptoms, understanding risk factors, and highlighting the importance of screening for those at higher risk. By spreading awareness, we can improve early detection rates, support research funding, and foster a supportive community for patients and families affected by the disease.

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month was established by advocacy organisations. These organisations aimed to bring more public attention to the lack of awareness around this type of cancer, which contributes to its high mortality rate. Over the years, Stomach Cancer Awareness Month has gained international recognition, uniting communities worldwide to address the prevention, research, and treatment needed to combat stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer. Its significance lies in empowering individuals to learn, support, and take action against this often-overlooked disease.

How to Contribute to Stomach Cancer Awareness Activities?

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month offers numerous ways for people to get involved, spread knowledge, and support those affected. These activities collectively help increase awareness, foster community support, and promote early detection efforts that can make a life-saving difference.

• Educational Events: Host or attend webinars, seminars, or workshops that educate about gastric cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
• Screening and Prevention Campaigns: Partner with local health organisations to offer free or discounted screenings or distribute resources on lifestyle changes that can reduce cancer risks.
• Social Media Campaigns: Use hashtags like #StomachCancerAwareness to share information, stories, and resources, helping to reach a wider audience online.
• Support Groups and Story Sharing: Create spaces where survivors and their families can share experiences, providing support, spreading hope, and fostering community connections.

What are Stomach Cancer Symptoms?

Stomach cancer symptoms can often be subtle and mistaken for common digestive issues. These symptoms can appear in other, less serious conditions, so it is important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation, especially if symptoms persist.

• Persistent Indigestion or Heartburn: Ongoing discomfort, acid reflux, or bloating that doesn’t improve.
• Loss of Appetite: A feeling of fullness after eating small amounts of food.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without changes to diet or exercise.
• Blood in Stool: Dark or tarry stools can be a sign of internal bleeding.
• Fatigue: Feeling weak or tired without any apparent reason.

What are the Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer?

Understanding the risk factors for Stomach Cancer can help in taking preventive steps before the medical condition worsens. 

• Family History: A family history of stomach cancer can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, especially if a close relative has had it.
• Age: Stomach cancer is more common in people over the age of 60, though it can occur at any age.
• Diet: A diet high in salty, smoked, or pickled foods and low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking is a significant risk factor, as it can damage the lining of the stomach and increase the likelihood of cancer.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake is linked to an increased risk of gastric cancer.
• Previous Stomach Surgery: People who have had surgery for other stomach conditions, such as ulcers, may have a higher risk.

What are Stomach Cancer Treatment Methods?

Stomach Cancer treatment depends on the stage of cancer, the patient’s overall medical health, and other individual factors. Here are standard and advanced treatment options available for Stomach Cancer:

• Surgery: Surgical options include removing part (partial gastrectomy) or all of the stomach (total gastrectomy), often used in early to mid-stage stomach cancer. It is very helpful in preventing the spread of cancer to other organs.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to prevent recurrence.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and is often combined with chemotherapy to increase effectiveness.
• Targeted Therapy: This involves drugs that target specific proteins or genes in cancer cells. For stomach cancer, HER2-targeted therapy is commonly used for cancers that overexpress the HER2 protein.

Latest Treatments for Stomach Cancer

• CAR-T Cell Therapy: This is a newer form of immunotherapy where T-cells (immune cells) are modified to attack cancer cells. 
• Tumour Treating Fields (TTFields): This non-invasive therapy uses electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division, slowing down tumour growth.
• Precision Medicine: Advances in genetic testing allow doctors to identify mutations in cancer cells, helping them tailor treatments to target specific cancer pathways effectively.

What are Stomach Cancer Prevention Methods?

Stomach cancer prevention focuses on reducing risk factors and promoting a healthy lifestyle. By following these preventive methods, individuals can significantly lower their chances of developing gastric cancer.

• Healthy Diet: Eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower the risk. Limit processed foods, red meats, and salty or smoked foods, which have been linked to stomach cancer.
• Avoid Tobacco: Smoking increases the risk of stomach cancer, so avoiding tobacco use or quitting can help prevent it.
• Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor, so moderation or avoidance is advised.
• Regular Exercise: Staying active helps maintain a healthy weight, which lowers cancer risk.
• Manage Infections: If infected with H. pylori bacteria (a common cause of stomach ulcers), early treatment can reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Talk to a doctor about testing and treatment if you have symptoms.

To Sum Up

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is a vital time to increase understanding, promote early detection, and support those affected by this often-overlooked disease. By raising awareness, we can encourage healthier lifestyles, advocate for more research, and help improve survival rates. 

The standard cancer treatment is usually expensive and could burn a hole in your pocket. It is always advised to get health insurance with a cancer cover policy to have strong financial support in times of need.

Let’s unite this November to spread knowledge and make a meaningful impact in the fight against stomach cancer.

>> Also Read: Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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