| At one time, stomach cancer was the most common | | | | especially after eating. Other symptoms include |
| type of cancer known in the United States. As the | | | | bleeding, weight loss and general weakness. Patients |
| years progressed, the disease became less common | | | | who experience early fullness when eating should also |
| among patients. While there are no definitive answers | | | | be on alert as this may be a symptom of the |
| as to why, it's thought to be related to the decline in | | | | stomach's inability to expand due to the presence of a |
| salted or smoked food intake. Even with the decline in | | | | tumor. If left untreated, the cancer cells can spread |
| cases, this disease still presents a serious problem | | | | quickly to other parts of the body and cause even |
| throughout the nation and the rest of the world. | | | | further damage. Part of the problem is that, like many |
| While studies are unclear, some experts recommend a | | | | other illnesses, the symptoms sound very similar to |
| balanced diet to fighting against cancer development. In | | | | those of other ailments. The presence of one or more |
| addition, researchers believe that damaged DNA in the | | | | of these does not necessarily confirm the presence of |
| stomach cells may lead to cancer. A large majority of | | | | cancer, but it should cause the individual to be alert to |
| individuals are infected by a bacteria known as H. | | | | the possibility. |
| pylori, which resides in the stomach. It is unknown how | | | | Studies show that men are twice as likely to develop |
| this bacteria is transmitted, but it is believed to be | | | | stomach cancer and is most common in individuals |
| spread from individuals or through drinking water. H. | | | | from age 40 to 80. This disease is rarely present in |
| pylori causes ulcers and may also be a leading cause | | | | individuals 40 years of ago or younger. In addition, the |
| of stomach cancer. | | | | use of tobacco and alcohol are perhaps the most |
| Foods, which include nitrates, are also of concern | | | | obvious cancer causing agents. Studies have shown |
| among cancer researchers. Foods such as hot dogs, | | | | that both men and woman are more likely to develop |
| certain deli meats, bacon and ham contain substances | | | | stomach cancer if they smoke. Other factors, including |
| known to cause stomach cancer, as does red meat, | | | | family history and obesity, can encourage the |
| and smoked or salted foods. Certain foods are | | | | development of stomach cancer. |
| believed to protect against stomach cancer, including | | | | This article should not be construed as professional |
| fruits or vegetables. Items such as tomatoes, sweet | | | | medical advice. If you, or someone that you know, is |
| potatoes and carrots are especially helpful in the | | | | concerned about the possibility of cancer, you should |
| prevention of this disease. | | | | seek medical attention immediately. A medical doctor |
| Perhaps one of the most troubling facts about the | | | | can discuss various options, prevention and treatment |
| disease is that stomach cancer is difficult to diagnose. | | | | possibilities should the presence of cancer be |
| A cancerous tumor may be quite large by the time | | | | detected. A series of tests may be conducted in order |
| that it is diagnosed due to the lack of symptoms | | | | to confirm, or rule out, any such diagnosis and can only |
| associated with stomach cancer. When present, the | | | | be done by a medical doctor. |
| most common signs include upper abdominal pain, | | | | |