Cancer - Stomach

The Stomach The stomach is a hollow muscular organ lying between the lower end of your gullet and the beginning of your bowel. It sits below the diaphragm mainly in the upper left part of your abdomen, The stomach?s role in your digestive system is to break down the food you eat into a semi-fold form. The nutrients in the food are absorbed into your bloodstream as the food passes through the intestines. There is a collection of glands (lymph nodes) located close to the stomach. These lymph nodes filter our bacteria and other harmful agents. A network of very thin lymph vessels connects the major lymph nodes in your abdomen, pelvis, groin, neck and armpits. Cancer that develops in the stomach may spread via the lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Stomach Cancer Stomach cancer is one of the ten most common cancers in Malaysia . About 1400 Malaysians develop a cancer of this type each year. Stomach cancer can occur in adults of any age. However, it is rare under the age of 50 and is more common among men than among women. The exact cause of stomach (gastric) cancer is unknown, but many stomach cancers are thought to be caused by carcinogens (cancer causing agents) in the diet. Nitrates (found in smoked, pickled and salted foods) have been implicated in stomach cancer. It is now recognised that many peptic ulcers are due to infection with micro-organism known as Helicobacter Pylori. Long-term infection of the stomach with this organism can also lead to changes, which can cause cancer. A history of stomach ulcers does not increase the risk of stomach cancer, but a history of gastric polyps does. People with chronic untreated reflux may also be at risk. People who have previously suffered from a blood disorder called pernicious anaemia are at higher risk of developing stomach cancer.