Introduction:<br />Stomach cancer is one of the common cancers that affect the digestive tract, and is considered one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Although its incidence rates have decreased in some regions due to improved health conditions and nutrition, it still poses a major health challenge, especially in developing countries. This article aims to review the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatments available for stomach cancer.<br /><br />Causes of stomach cancer:<br />1. Infection with H. pylori bacteria (Helicobacter pylori): this bacterium is one of the most important causative agents of stomach cancer, as it causes chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to cancerous changes over time.<br />2. Genetic factors: genes play an important role in increasing the risk of stomach cancer, especially in individuals with a family history of the disease.<br />3. Diet: eating salty, smoked, or pickled foods in abundance increases the risk of infection, while eating fresh fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk.<br />4. Smoking and drinking alcohol: smoking and alcohol consumption are factors that increase the likelihood of stomach cancer.<br />5.Obesity: obesity is associated with an increased risk of various types of cancers, including stomach cancer.<br /><br />Symptoms of stomach cancer:<br />- Constant indigestion.<br />- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.<br />- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdominal area.<br />- Nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood.<br />- Feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food.<br />- Black stools or the presence of blood in the stool.<br /><br />Diagnosis of stomach cancer:<br />1. Endoscopy: the most accurate way to diagnose stomach cancer is endoscopy, in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach to examine its lining and take samples of suspected tissue.<br />2. X-ray imaging with barium: the barium liquid that covers the stomach lining is swallowed, allowing any abnormalities to be seen on the X-ray.<br />3. Computed tomography (CT scan): used to determine the extent to which cancer has spread to neighboring organs or lymph nodes.<br />4.Biopsy: a sample of the suspected tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.<br /><br />Treatment:<br />Treatment of stomach cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient, it includes:<br />1. Surgery: surgery is considered the main treatment for stomach cancer, in which the affected part of the stomach or the entire stomach is removed.<br />2. Chemotherapy: used before or after surgery to reduce the size of the tumor or to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.<br />3. Radiation therapy: sometimes used in conjunction with chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells.<br />4. Targeted therapy: targets specific molecules in cancer cells, helping to slow down tumor growth.<br /><br />Conclusion:<br />Stomach cancer remains a serious disease that requires great awareness of its early signs and risk factors. Early detection and effective treatment are the key to improving treatment outcomes and increasing the chances of survival. It is advisable to lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid etiological factors, and undergo periodic examinations especially for high-risk individuals.<br /><br />Dr. Ahmed Turki Hani<br />MBChB. MSc. PhD. Pathology<br />"AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq"<br /><br />