3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, starts in the stomach lining. Your stomach, located in the upper middle part of your abdomen just below the ribs, is crucial for breaking down and digesting food.
In Singapore, gastric cancer is quite prevalent, ranking as the 7th most common cancer in men and the 9th in women, with about 18.1 cases per 100,000 people each year. Historically, until the 1980s, stomach cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. This changed when refrigeration technology became common, reducing the need for salt-preserved foods, which are a risk factor for this type of cancer.
Typically, gastric cancer begins in the stomach's inner lining, called the mucosa. As it grows, the cancer spreads deeper into the stomach walls, invading the muscle and connective tissues. If left untreated, these cancerous cells can form a tumour that might spread to nearby organs like the liver and pancreas, and even to distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream.
Gastric cancer develops through a complex mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It starts with genetic mutations in the stomach lining cells. These mutations can be inherited or caused by factors like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, smoking, and certain dietary habits.
H. pylori is a key player in this process. This bacterium leads to chronic inflammation and damage to the stomach lining, causing cellular changes and mutations over time. Persistent inflammation, whether from H. pylori or other irritants like chronic gastritis, creates a cycle of damage and repair in the stomach lining cells. This ongoing damage promotes further genetic mutations and cellular changes.
Over time, this chronic inflammation can lead to conditions such as atrophic gastritis, where the stomach lining thins, and intestinal metaplasia, where the stomach lining cells start resembling those of the intestine. Both conditions significantly increase the risk of developing gastric cancer.
As the cells in the stomach lining continue to mutate, they may become dysplastic, a precancerous state where cells grow abnormally and look different from healthy cells. Dysplastic cells are particularly concerning because they have a high potential to become cancerous. As these cells accumulate more mutations, they lose their ability to regulate growth and division properly.
Eventually, these dysplastic cells can turn into adenocarcinoma, the most common type of gastric cancer. These cancerous cells grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour in the stomach lining. As the cancer progresses, the tumour can invade deeper layers of the stomach wall, reaching the submucosa, muscularis propria, and serosa. This invasion gives cancer cells access to blood vessels and lymphatic channels, which facilitates their spread.
Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, often sneaks up on people because it doesn't usually cause symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, various signs and symptoms may start to appear, ranging from mild to severe.
In the beginning, you might not notice anything out of the ordinary. But as the cancer develops, you could experience:
As the cancer advances, the symptoms can become more serious:
There are also more general symptoms you might notice:
If the cancer spreads to other parts of your body, it can cause specific symptoms depending on where it spreads:
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it's important to see a healthcare provider. Catching gastric cancer early can make a big difference in how it's treated and managed.
Diagnosing gastric cancer involves a few key steps to figure out if you have the disease and how far it has progressed. Here’s what you can expect:
Early-stage stomach cancer has a better outlook, while more advanced stages might require more intensive treatment. Even if the cancer isn’t curable, treatments can help manage it and improve your quality of life.
If you have any concerns or questions about your diagnosis and treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. Understanding your situation can help you feel more in control and prepared for the next steps.
Singapore provides various treatments for gastric cancer, utilising medical technology and expert care. Here are the main treatment options available at CRCS Clinic:
Combining these treatments helps manage and treat gastric cancer more effectively, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Your health and well-being matter to us. If you or someone you love is dealing with gastric cancer, reach out to us. Let’s take this journey together and work towards a healthier future. Contact CRCS Clinic today to schedule a consultation and get the compassionate, personalised care you deserve.
Yes, you can recover from gastric cancer, especially if it’s caught early. Your chances of recovery depend on the stage of the cancer and how well the treatment works.
Yes, you can eat with gastric cancer, but you might need to make some dietary changes. Your healthcare provider can help you create a nutrition plan to ensure you’re getting the right nutrients and managing symptoms.
Stress doesn’t directly cause gastric cancer, but it can affect your overall health and potentially make existing conditions worse. It’s always a good idea to manage stress for your overall well-being.