Stomach cancer, only one in five cases is discovered at an early stage

They get sick with stomach cancer approximately 15 thousand Italians every year and only a third of patients And alive five years after diagnosis: mainly due to the fact that the disease is discovered late, when it is already in an advanced stage, because only then does the first symptoms begin to show. And it is an aggressive neoplasm. The experts gathered in Rome for the National Seminar on Gastric Cancer, now in its seventh edition, organized and promoted byODV association Living Without Stomach (You Can)they remembered that only one case in five of this neoplasm is identified at an early stage.

Symptoms not to be overlooked

«The reasons for diagnostic delays are above all the very generic symptoms of the disease, which is insidious and presents a high risk of recurrence, in addition to the underestimation of risk factors – underlined Claudia Santangelo, president of «Living Without Stomach» -. Thus, the survival rate is still very low (32%) although better than the European average (25%). The incidence ofthe cases is growing, while the available therapeutic armamentarium is still quite limited.” Stomach cancer can be cured if it is detected early and surgically removed, so It is important to pay attention to some symptoms which should cause suspicion when they persist for many weeks: persistent digestive disorders, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, weight lossfeeling of fullness after meals, feeling of nausea and vomiting, heartburn (burning behind the breastbone), presence of blood in the stool or black stool, chronic tiredness.

Who risks more

Above all, those who are most at risk of getting ill must not underestimate these alarm bells, that is, those who suffer from atrophic gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach) or chronic Helicobacter pylori infection (responsible for ulcers and gastritis). To do increase the danger are also overweight and obesitytosedentary lifestyletosmoking, diet low in fruit and vegetables, excessive consumption of red meat, foods preserved with salt, nitrates and smoked foods. And then there are the hereditary-familial forms, which despite constituting 1% of all stomach tumors diagnosed in a year, are extremely relevant because they are due to gene mutations, very rare but extremely powerful, which can be inherited from blood relatives. of patients and in some cases guide therapies. The neoplasm can be identified through a gastroscopy – said Elisa Mandolesi, general practitioner in Ferrara -. It is up to the family doctor to direct the patient towards a test that can be life-saving. There is sometimes a tendency to only prescribe antacid drugs and not to eradicate the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, one of the main culprits of the pathology. It is clear that we need to increase awareness among non-specialist doctors of a pathology that is still considered not very widespread.”

Specialized hospitals

For those suffering from gastric cancer it is then crucial to seek treatment in a specialized centrewhere the various specialists compare themselves in multidisciplinary teams in order to choose the most suitable therapies in the individual case, because this increases the chances of surviving and living better. «Stomach cancer mainly affects older men – added Paolo Gritti, past president of the Italian Society of Psycho-Oncology -. Half of the patients are over 75 years old and assistance cannot be limited only to the administration of therapies. It must also understand and address psychosocial problems that affect quality of life. Accepting the disease is the first obstacle to overcome, which is followed by the many worries due to the physical changes and side effects of the therapies. The pre- and post-operative phases are extremely delicate and psychological support from a qualified professional is therefore necessary.” «Psychoncology is not a service that is always guaranteed uniformly in our country – recalled Claudia Santangelo -. However, it is important to ensure this for all patients with gastric cancer. The emotional repercussions can negatively influence the course of the pathology and the body’s response to treatment.”

Nutrition

Equally important is to pay attention, from the beginning of the therapeutic process, to the nutritional aspect to prevent the patient from losing too much weight and, therefore, having problems continuing treatment or facing serious consequences that worsen the quality and ‘life expectation. “L’removal of the stomach determines problems in the absorption of some vitamins and minerals through daily nutrition – concluded Maurizio Muscaritoli, president of the Italian Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (SINUC) -. Taking calcium, iron or vitamins D and B12 supplements is sometimes essential for patients. However, it is only the nutritionist’s job to manage additional food and nutritional interventions. Finally, access to food for special medical purposes, which is essential for many of our patients, must be facilitated.”