What is the stomach
The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ in the gastrointestinal tract. It has a dilated structure and functions as a vital digestive organ. In the digestive system the stomach is involved in the second phase of digestion, following mastication (chewing). In humans and many other animals, the stomach is located between the oesophagus and the small intestine. It secretes digestive enzymes and gastric acid to aid in food digestion.
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is cancer developing from the lining of the stomach. The cancer may spread from the stomach to other parts of the body. The most common cause is infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which accounts for more than 60% of cases. Smoking, dietary factors and obesity are other risk factors. About 10% of cases run in families. Most cases of stomach cancers are gastric carcinomas.
Who might experience it?
Globally, stomach cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer and the third leading cause of death from cancer, making up 7% of cases and 9% of deaths. In 2012, it newly occurred in 950,000 people and caused 723,000 deaths. Stomach cancer occurs most commonly in East Asia and Eastern Europe. It occurs twice as often in males as in females.
References
Adapted from Wikipedia
For more information, please visit the CRUK website