Other terms
- Gastric Ulcer
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastroenterology
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Gene Therapy
- Genitourinary System
- Genomics
- Geriatric Neurology
- Glaucoma
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Gynecology
Gastric Cancer
What is Gastric Cancer? Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the lining of the stomach. The incidence of gastric cancer is estimated to be approximately 1 million cases per year, although there has been a decline over the past few decades as management of the associated risk factors has improved. However, gastric cancer is still the fifth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with greater prevalence in East Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America.
What Causes Gastric Cancer?
The pathogenesis of gastric cancer is derived from the interactions of several genetic and environmental factors.
There are several genes implicated in the development of gastric cancer, including alterations in the TP53, APC, and CDH1 genes, as well as amplification of the ERBB2 and MET genes. These changes can lead to abnormal cell growth and the formation of tumors. The interaction of several polymorphisms with other risk factors for gastric cancers and the body’s response to them is also associated with gastric cancer.
Risk factors for gastric cancer include:
- H.pylori infection
- Family history of gastric cancer
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diet high in salt and low in fruits and vegetables
- Exposure to Epstein-Barr Virus
- Low socioeconomic status
- History of gastric surgery
- Gastric polyps
- Blood group A
- Gastric ulcer
- Pernicious anemia
Symptoms of Gastric Cancer
- Dyspepsia
- Anorexia or early satiety
- Abnormal weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Dysphagia
Source: Smyth, E. C., Nilsson, M., Grabsch, H. I., Van Grieken, N. C., & Lordick, F. (2020). Gastric cancer. The Lancet, 396(10251), 635–648. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31288-5
