Stomach Cancer

When To Call A Professional

You should see your doctor is you have any of the symptoms of stomach cancer. When gastrointestinal symptoms don't respond to simple treatments, such as antacids, or when symptoms last for more than a week or two, it's time to see a doctor. People who use tobacco or alcohol, have a family history of stomach cancer, or have a diet that is either low in fruits and vegetables or high in cured, smoked or salted meats should be particularly wary of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Prognosis

Much depends on how far stomach cancer has developed by the time it is diagnosed. When the disease is found early, before it has penetrated the lining of the stomach or spread outside the stomach, the chance for a full recovery is much greater. It is important to remember that no two cancer patients are alike, and responses to treatment vary from person to person.

As many as 50% of people who have been diagnosed with stomach cancer in the early stages of the disease will live five years or more. However, only 10% to 20% of stomach cancers are diagnosed in the early stages. The overall five-year survival rate is around 21%.

Additional Info

American Cancer Society (ACS) 1599 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30329-4251 Toll-Free: (800) 227-2345 http://www.cancer.org/

National Cancer Institute (NCI) U.S. National Institutes of Health Public Inquiries Office Building 31, Room 10A03 31 Center Drive, MSC 8322 Bethesda, MD 20892-2580 Phone: (301) 435-3848 Toll-Free: (800) 422-6237 TTY: (800) 332-8615 E-Mail: cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov http://www.nci.nih.gov/

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) P.O. Box 3099 Arlington, VA 22302 http://www.acg.gi.org/

American Gastroenterological Association 4930 Del Ray Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: (301) 654-2055 Fax: (301) 654-5920 http://www.gastro.org/