Islamabad: A medical surgeon on Wednesday called for greater public awareness, urging people to seek immediate medical attention and proper check-ups at the first sign of symptoms, as poor dietary habits continue to fuel the rise in gastric (stomach) cancer cases.
While speaking to a local news channel, Dr. Sohaib, a GIS surgeon said that gastric cancer often spreads silently and may go unnoticed in its early stages.
He explained that early symptoms include feeling full after eating a small amount of food, heartburn, persistent stomach pain, difficulty in swallowing, ongoing indigestion and sudden, unexplained weight loss.
He further warned that the presence of black stools or blood in vomit are serious signs that should not be ignored.
Dr. Sohail urged people to seek timely medical treatment and undergo proper check-ups if digestive problems persist, stressing that early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
He said that stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells that begins in the stomach. He explained that the stomach is located in the upper middle part of the abdomen, just below the ribs, and plays a vital role in breaking down and digesting food.
He added that when stomach cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic stomach cancer. The symptoms vary depending on where it spreads for instance, lumps may appear if it reaches the lymph nodes, yellowing of the skin and eyes if it spreads to the liver and fluid buildup in the abdomen if it spreads within the belly.
He said treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, the patient’s health and preferences and usually involves a care team including a primary doctor, oncologist and gastroenterologist who guide treatment options.
Replying to a query, Dr said treatment for stomach cancer may include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy and immunotherapy to destroy cancer cells, often used in combination depending on the stage. Palliative care is also provided to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life alongside other treatments.