Stomach cancer is a silent killer. While rare, it affects more people than you think. This type of cancer is more common in those over 40 years old, in men, and in Asians. Because symptoms usually don’t appear until the disease has progressed to late stages, there is only a narrow possibility to treat with surgery, often with poor results. However, it can be detected in the early stages.

With early detection, this type of cancer can be treated. In such a case, it is possible to avoid experiencing any symptoms at all. Therefore, the best thing to do is go for a gastric endoscopic examination, which isn’t hard and doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to complete. This is especially recommended if you have any risk factors for stomach cancer, such as a family history of the disease, prior infection with H. pylori bacteria, smoking, drinking, or having previously had a gastric bypass surgery. You should also schedule regular checkups with your doctor. If found in the early stages, the chances of successful treatment are very high. Furthermore, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms for more than 1-2 months without improvement, including black stool, flatulence, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting after eating, then don’t hesitate to get a checkup. If by chance stomach cancer is found, the doctor will perform additional tests to determine the stage of the disease and whether it has spread. Surgery is the primary treatment method used to remove tumors and affected lymph nodes. This technique may be combined with chemotherapy.

The latest approach to treating stomach cancer involves using modern and complex surgical methods, which help remove all lymph nodes in the affected area. By doing so, there is less chance for recurrence of cancer and a greater chance of remission. Laparoscopic surgery is a major part of this strategy, being able to reduce injuries and speed up recovery, all while providing results that are as good as traditional open abdominal surgery.

Furthermore, laparoscopic surgery can also play a part in more complex cases where there is metastasis of cancer to the abdominal wall. In the past, this case was considered ineligible for treatment with surgery. Currently, however, chemotherapy can be combined with heat in an approach known as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). This technology increases the likelihood for remission. Eligibility for this treatment can be considered on a case-by-case basis following consultation with specialists.

Therefore, if we perform regular checkups on our cars, then we should also remember to perform regular checkups on our health. Cancer is a disease that nobody wants for themselves or for their loved ones. And, while cancer cannot be prevented from developing, cancer can be prevented from progressing to advanced stages with early detection. Early detection can lead to complete elimination for some types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. Schedule your checkup today.