Why stomach cancer is difficult to diagnose and how it can be treated

According to statistics, stomach cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and the seventh in women. It occurs more often between the ages of 50 and 70, and in about 50% of cases in people over 75. Stomach cancer starts when something hurts the cells in the inner lining of the stomach. It causes the cells to develop changes in their DNA. The changes 'tell' the cells to multiply quickly and a mass called a tumour can end up forming. Cancer cells in the stomach can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. Usually the risk factors for this are related to lifestyle, diet, but of course genetic predisposition also has an influence. Stomach cancer develops slowly and it is characteristically difficult to diagnose. Early signs are often missing and many people do not know that something is wrong until it reaches an advanced stage.

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However, what are the main and most common symptoms

Many of these are common in other conditions, such as an ulcer or infection, making diagnosis even more difficult, but the main signs and symptoms include: trouble swallowing, upper abdominal pain, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, weight loss through reason, the onset of heartburn, nausea, vomiting, indigestion. Later stages of stomach cancer can cause feelings of extreme fatigue, vomiting blood and black stools. When it spreads to other parts of the body, it causes site-specific symptoms. For example, when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it can cause lumps that are felt through the skin. If it reaches the liver, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes may occur.

It is not clear what causes stomach cancer, and experts believe that most types start when something hurts the inner lining of the stomach. Examples include an infection in the stomach, long-standing acid reflux and eating very salty foods. Other risk factors include smoking, regular alcohol intake, diets low in fruits and vegetables, the appearance of polyps on the stomach, and family history. However, not everyone with these risk factors can be diagnosed with stomach cancer, so more research is needed to find out exactly what causes it. To diagnose it, video-gastroscopy with biopsy is usually resorted to, and computed tomography or endoscopic ultrasonography establishes the stage and the presence of metastases.

The type of stomach cancer is based on the type of cell from which it started. Most commonly it can be adenocarcinoma, as this is the most common type of stomach cancer and the glandular epithelium is affected. While gastrointestinal stromal tumors lead their origin from special nerve cells that are found in the wall of the stomach and other digestive organs. They are characterized by varying clinical symptomatology and histology, but occur in only between 1 and 5% of cases. In other cases, one can speak of so-called carcinoid tumours, which begin in the neuroendocrine cells that are found in the gastrointestinal tract. They produce hormones that help control digestive juices and muscles that help move food through the stomach and intestines. Sometimes lymphoma, which is associated with cells of the immune system, can start in the stomach, but in this case we are talking about a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

What treatment is given for stomach cancer

As with other cancers, the treatment plan for stomach cancer depends on the origin, stage, age and overall condition of the patient. Treatment often includes surgery to remove the stomach cancer, and other methods, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, may be administered before or after it. If caught in time, the prognosis is very good. The problem is, as we have already mentioned, that it is difficult to detect, which can then also make the treatment plan very difficult. Here are the most commonly applied methods:

• Gastroscopy

It is a partial or total removal of the stomach, this operation is applied in advanced stage. It can cause serious side effects such as cramps, nausea, diarrhea or dizziness after eating. However, the attending physician can suggest ways and medications to control them. These symptoms usually disappear or lessen within a few months.

• Laparoscopy

This is a minimally invasive surgery that is performed when stomach cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. In this case, the tumor is removed from the wall of the stomach by cutting it out using an endoscope.

• Radiotherapy

This uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. Radiotherapy may be used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumour or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Side effects include fatigue, mild skin reactions, upset stomach and bowel problems. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished.

• Chemotherapy

This uses drugs that help to remove cancer cells. Its regimen or schedule usually consists of a set number of cycles over a period of time, and a patient may receive one drug or a combination of several. The goal is to destroy cancer left after surgery, slow tumor growth, or reduce symptoms. It may also be combined with radiation therapy.

• Immunotherapy

It helps a person's immune system fight cancer. Depending on the stage, certain drugs are used, which are individually prescribed according to the patient's treatment. Side effects can also occur with it, so it is important to discuss each thing with the doctor.

How to start an online fundraising campaign for stomach cancer treatment through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform

Cancer and its treatment affects not only physically along with all the side effects of its treatment, but also emotionally, socially and financially. Apart from the moral care with attention, empathy, support, comfort, love and friendship, the financial one is important because often the treatment amounts are prohibitive for a person and his/her loved ones. This is one of the best things you can do for a person who is in need, and that is to set up a donation campaign.

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What else are the benefits of crowdfunding platforms

One of the biggest advantages of using online fundraising platforms is reaching a very large audience. Whether you want to get the attention of a local or larger community of people, they have the potential to give visibility to your cause and campaign. They also provide a number of resources that make them much more successful - whether it's with advice, guidance, or the ease of using the platform itself to create a donation campaign. Just as it is with PavelAndreev.ORG.

Another advantage of crowdfunding platforms is that they give you the opportunity to tell your story or someone else's story. When it's presented in an emotional and moving way, it will quickly reach the hearts of people who would respond with donations. Along with this, other campaigns can be tracked that can be an example and inspiration to not only help, but to start another cause that would benefit a person, a group of people, or an entire community.

Platforms usually allow you to track how far the donation campaign is progressing, see how much money you've raised to become even more active in promoting it if needed. This way, you'll have more control and can plan other charity activities if you deem it necessary. In addition, you may attract equally active supporters to help you in your fundraising.

Online platforms, on the other hand, save a lot of time and resources if you don't have the opportunity for other charity events. At the same time, you'll be reaching more people who might be able to help with some extra funding and fundraising. And with that, your mission is likely to be even more successful! Start a campaign on PavelAndreev.ORG right now.