Stomach cancer
Statistics
Stomach cancer, which is also known as gastric cancer, is the fifth most frequently diagnosed type of cancer, with 7% of cases globally, and the third leading cause of cancer related death, at 9%. Stomach cancer occurs most commonly in East Asia and Eastern Europe, and occurs twice as often in men as in women. The bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of stomach cancer, with about 60% of the cases attributed to this infection. Other factors that increase your risk of developing stomach cancer include smoking, some dietary factors such as consuming pickled vegetables, a genetic predisposition, and obesity. Interestingly, a Mediterranean diet lowers the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Diagnosis
Like many other cancers in the gastrointestinal track, stomach cancer often occurs either without symptoms, or with symptoms that are also common in other diseases. Typical signs and symptoms of stomach cancer may include unexplained nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss and constipation. If your medical team suspects stomach cancer, they may recommend an ultrasound examination. If a mass is seen during the ultrasound, they may recommend collecting a biopsy during a gastroscopy. This sample is then examined under a microscope by the GMI Department of Pathology to define its cellular and molecular markers. These findings help guide the medical team when developing your personalized treatment plan. To assess the potential spread of the cancer, your GMI medical team may recommend further imaging. The GMI offers the most advanced medical imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT).
Treatment
Like other types of cancer, treatment varies greatly depending on the type of stomach cancer, the tumor size, location, and characteristics, as well as how the cancer has progressed. Every step in the diagnostic procedure helps the GMI team tailor each treatment plan to each patient, taking into consideration your individual case and personal preferences. To determine the best course of action each patient’s case is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board where several experts from our team come together to create your comprehensive treatment plan. For cases where the cancer remains localized, a dedicated team of surgeons will eradicate the tumor using the most modern treatment options, including surgery. In some cases, chemotherapy is recommended prior to surgery. For cases where the cancer is at a more advanced stage, our Medical Oncology team will propose the best treatment plan for each patient, which will include the newest regimen of systemic therapies like targeted therapy, chemotherapy and / or immunotherapy.
Why GMI
At the GMI German Oncology Center, a dedicated team of internationally acclaimed physicians guides each stomach cancer patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports stomach cancer patients on their journey by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative oncology services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program. We also have a team of nutrition specialists ready to advise each patient individually in cases where you may be struggling after stomach surgery.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI German Oncology Center both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
