Treatment of Stomach Cancer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 26, 2005 -- Treatment of Stomach Cancer

The doctor develops a treatment plan to fit each patient's needs. Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the size, location, and extent of the tumor; the stage of the disease; the patient's general health; and other factors.

Many people who have cancer want to learn all they can about the disease and their treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their medical care. The doctor is the best person to answer questions about their diagnosis and treatment plan.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, shock and stress are natural reactions. These feelings may make it difficult for people to think of everything they want to ask the doctor. Often, it helps to make a list of questions. Also, to help remember what the doctor says, patients may take notes or ask whether they may use a tape recorder. Some people also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor -- to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen. Patients should not feel the need to ask all their questions or remember all the answers at one time. They will have other chances to ask the doctor to explain things and to get more information.

When talking about treatment choices, the patient may want to ask about taking part in a research study. Such studies, called clinical trials, are designed to improve cancer treatment. More information about clinical trials is in the Clinical Trials section.

These are some questions a patient may want to ask the doctor before treatment begins:

What is the stage of the disease?

What are my treatment options? Which do you suggest for me? Why?

Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?

What are the expected benefits of the treatment?

What are the risks and possible side effects of the treatment?

What can be done about side effects?

What can I do to take care of myself during therapy?

How long will my treatment last?

Patients and their loved ones are naturally concerned about the effectiveness of the treatment. Sometimes they use statistics to try to figure out whether the patient will be cured, or how long he or she will live. It is important to remember, however, that statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. They cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular person because no two cancer patients are alike; treatments and responses vary greatly. Patients may want to talk with the doctor about the chance of recovery (prognosis). When doctors talk about surviving cancer, they may use the term remission rather than cure. Even though many patients recover completely, doctors use this term because the disease can return. (The return of cancer is called a recurrence.)

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What is the Location of Stomach Cancers?

Overall, 50% are in the lower stomach ("pyloris and antrum"), 20% are in the body of the stomach ("fundus"), 20% are in the lesser curvature, 10% at the cardia, and 3% at the greater curvature. The lower stomach ("distal") is more commonly involved in Black individuals, while the upper stomach ("proximal") is more common for Whites.