Stomach Cancer or also called Gastric Cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world.

By Dr. J. Saravanan
MBBS, MS (Surgery), F.MAS, FIAGES, F.ALS, M.Ch (Surgical Gastro)
Sr. Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon and Cancer Surgeon

November is a month known for the pleasure of eating. November is also a Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. However, raising awareness about stomach cancer is important throughout the year!

There is a great deal of focus on food, nourishment, and family during these holidays and is the ideal month to raise awareness about Gastric Cancer.

The goals of stomach cancer awareness are to raise awareness and support efforts to educate people about stomach cancer, including risk factors, prevention, and early detection

What is Stomach Cancer?

In 90-95% of cases, the disease starts in the cells that form the lining of the stomach – beginning as an ulcer. The initial symptoms of stomach cancer are vague and easy to mistake for other less serious conditions. In some people, the lesion may cause no symptoms; in others, it might bleed or cause pain. Stomach cancer is often discovered at an advanced stage. Often people ask us if you can survive stomach cancer. Survival depends on how advanced the cancer is and if it has travelled to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Many patients diagnosed with stomach cancer can be cured.

Who’s affected?

The exact cause of stomach cancer is still unclear, although you’re more likely to develop it if you:

• Long-term stomach inflammation (gastritis)
  • Are 55 years of age or older
  •  Smokers
  •  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  •  Obese
  •  A diet low in fruits and vegetables
  •  Have a diet low in fibre and high in processed food or red meat
  •  Have a diet that contains a lot of salted and pickled foods
  •  Have a stomach infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
  •  Family history of stomach cancer

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

The initial symptoms of stomach cancer are vague and easy to mistake for other less serious conditions. They include:

• Persistent indigestion and heartburn
  •  Trapped wind and frequent burping
  •  Feeling very full or bloated after meals
  •  Persistent stomach pain
  •  Blood in your stools, or black stools
  •  Loss of appetite
  •  Weight loss

How Is Stomach Cancer Treated?

VS Hospitals treats cancer in a variety of ways, including using the latest advancements in cancer care. Gastric cancer is often managed with a three-prong approach using surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. When creating your personalized treatment plan, we take several things into accounts, such as your age, preferences and medical history, the disease’s stage, and other factors.  The possible treatment options are Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, and Targeted Therapy.

Can Stomach Cancer Be Cured?

Surgery is the best chance for curing stomach cancer. Left untreated, cancer can spread to other parts of the body, usually through the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and glands called lymph nodes located throughout the body).

Once the cancer reaches your lymphatic system, it’s capable of spreading to other parts of your body, including your blood, bones and organs. So early consultation with your Gastroenterologist will help in early diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention of Stomach Cancer:

Gastroenterologist at VS Hospitals recommends that those looking to reduce their risk for stomach cancer follow these guidelines:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a diet filled with fruits and vegetables
• Reduce the amount of salty and smoked foods. A diet rich in pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions, salted fish, salt in general and smoked meats, such as smoked beef, increases your risk of stomach cancer. A high fibre diet with five portions of fruit and vegetables a day will help protect against stomach cancer
• Avoid smoking. People who smoke are about twice as likely to develop stomach cancer compared with non-smokers.
• You’re more likely to develop stomach cancer if you have a close relative with the condition, such as one of your parents or a sibling (brother or sister). In such cases, it may be appropriate for your doctor to arrange genetic counselling.

If you have concerns or questions about stomach cancer, you can schedule an appointment with our Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Specialist.

At VS Hospitals, experts from many specialties work as a team to provide comprehensivecare for people with stomach cancer. Your care team may include Medical Oncologists, Surgical  Gastroenterologists, Radiation Oncologists, Pathologists, Dietitians etc.

At VS Hospitals, you have access to a full range of treatments, including the latest treatment advances. Your care team will work with you to review your treatment options and develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs and goals.

VS Hospitals Experts are widely respected for their expertise in diagnosing and treating people with stomach cancer. We treat the highest number of Cancer Patients in Tamilnadu* (Private Hospitals).

When it comes to you and your family, we are just a call away. You can call us on
+91-9962242000 or visit our 100% Safe and Purely Non-Covid Facility at #815/306, Poonamallee High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010. Landmark: Near Ega Theatre Signal / Diagonally Opp. Chetpet Eco Park. You can also consult our Specialists at VS Hospitals through Online Video Consultation. Follow the link https://bit.ly/vshospitalsk

Dr. J. Saravanan
MBBS, MS (Surgery), F.MAS, FIAGES, F.ALS, M.Ch (Surgical Gastro)
Sr. Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon and Cancer Surgeon

Dr. J. Saravanan is a distinguished MCh qualified Hepato-Pancreatic Biliary / GI Surgeon and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon. He has been trained at reputed Premier Medical Institute like JIPMER, Pondicherry (MBBS), did his Master degree MS at Stanley Medical College, superspecilaized in Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery and Gastrointestinal surgery from reputed Institute of SGE & Liver Transplant, Stanley Medical College (MCh), He has fellowship in laparoscopic surgeries from World Laparoscopic Center (New Delhi) .

Dr. J. Saravanan has over 18 years of surgical experience and refined his skills as an accomplished Surgical Gastroenterologist.

Over the course of his Career, Dr. J. Saravanan has immense experience in Gall Bladder Diseases, Pancreatic Pathology, Liver Lesions / Cancer, Colonic Cancer, Diseases in Appendix, Gastric Ulcer and Esophageal Pathology.

Dr. J. Saravanan also has Special Interest in Advanced GI / HPB Laparoscopic Procedure like Inguinal Incisional Hernia Surgery (Appendix), Colo-Rectal and Surgeries (Choleoystectomy / Appendix), Complex Liver Surgeries. His success secret is his safe approach towards treating his patients with utmost love and care.

A strong academician. He is a member of various National and International Surgical Society.