Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a complicated disease which can happen in any part of the stomach. Gastric cancer grows through the stomach wall or spreads to other parts of the body is harder to cure. Symptoms might not happen until the cancer is advanced. Let us discuss some signs and symptoms of stomach cancer:

Symptoms: Indigestion and pain in the upper part of the belly; feeling bloated after eating; feeling full after eating small amounts of food; not feeling hungry when you would expect to be hungry; heartburn; indigestion; vomiting; losing weight without trying; feeling very tired and stools that look black.

 Causes: Stomach cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the stomach. The stomach is in the upper middle part of the belly, just below the ribs. The stomach helps to break down and digest food.

Stomach cancer can happen in any part of the stomach. In most of the world, stomach cancers happen in the main part of the stomach. This part is called the stomach body.

Ways of prevention: Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of whole grain foods, such as whole grain breads, cereals, pasta and rice. Consume fresh and organic vegetables and fruits regularly and shun processed foods, cigarettes and alcohol.

A diet with a focus on plant-based foods along with regular physical exercise will help cancer patients keep a healthy body weight.

Take physicians’ advices in case of chronic illness in stomach without any negligence.

Prof Dr Md Setabur Rahman

Senior Consultant (Surgical Oncology), Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super

Speciality Center, Green Road, Dhaka