Stomach Cancer

Minority Women's Health > Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians > Health Topics > Stomach Cancer

Asian American/Pacific Islander women have the highest rates for new cases of stomach cancer compared to women of all other groups. Rates of stomach cancer are three times higher than among white women.

Stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs, even distant organs. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages, which can make the cancer hard to find early. In many cases, the cancer has spread before it is found. When symptoms do occur, they are often so mild that the person ignores them. Stomach cancer can cause:

• indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn)
• discomfort or pain in the abdomen (stomach area)
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• bloating of the stomach after meals
• loss of appetite
• weakness and fatigue (feeling very tired)
• vomiting blood or having blood in the stool

Any of these symptoms can be caused by stomach cancer. But they can also be caused by less serious health problems, such as a stomach virus or a peptic ulcer. Still, you should see your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Publications

1.   Stomach (Gastric) Cancer - This web section provides an overview of stomach cancer. It contains the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, clinical trials, screening and diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, statistics, and cancer literature.

   http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/stomach/

2. Asian Language Materials - This web site lists the American Cancer Society materials available in different Asian languages such as Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ASN/ASN_0.asp

3. Overview: Stomach Cancer (Copyright © ACS) - This on-line publication provides an overview of stomach cancer. It contains the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, screening and diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and questions for your doctor. It also gives information about the latest research being conducted on stomach cancer.

   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?rnav=criov&dt=40

4. Stomach Cancer (Copyright © MFMER) - This on-line publication provides an overview of stomach cancer. It contains the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, when to seek medical advice, screening and diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, self-care, and coping skills.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00301

5. What Are the Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer? (Copyright © ACS) - This on-line publication provides a list of risk factors for stomach cancer.

   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_2x_what_are_the_risk_factors_fo...

Organizations

1.   Cancer Information Service, NCI, NIH, HHS
2.   Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC), OMH, OPHS, OS, HHS
3. American Cancer Society
4. Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training
5. Intercultural Cancer Council
6. National Asian Women's Health Organization

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007