Rising stomach cancer rates in young U.S. women

Stomach cancer rates in the U.S. have been falling for years, but more young people under 50 are now being diagnosed, especially women. These cases are often more advanced by the time patients seek help. Experts are trying to understand why this is happening. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it can improve treatment success. Dr. Mojun Zhu from the Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of knowing family cancer history and being aware of stomach cancer symptoms. Recognizing symptoms early can lead to timely treatment. Stomach cancer symptoms can be vague. Many people confuse early signs with common issues like indigestion or acid reflux. This confusion can delay diagnosis, allowing the cancer to grow. More noticeable symptoms later include fatigue, weight loss, and feeling full quickly after eating. If you have stomach cancer symptoms and a family history of cancer, it may prompt your doctor to suggest further screening or genetic testing. Understanding your family's cancer history can be very important, especially if relatives were diagnosed young. Currently, there are no general screening recommendations for stomach cancer, but doctors might create a tailored screening plan if you're at higher risk due to genetics. Tests like upper endoscopy can help detect cancer early. Stomach cancer is more aggressive than some other cancers, which makes treatment challenging. If diagnosed early, surgery can often be curative. However, the chance of recurrence is high for later stages. Research is ongoing to improve diagnosis and treatment for stomach cancer. The Mayo Clinic is studying ways to detect early stages of the disease in high-risk groups, and new surgical techniques may offer less invasive options for patients. For advanced cases, new therapies are under investigation, including immunotherapy and targeted drug treatments. These approaches aim to enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer. People with stomach cancer are also at risk for related conditions like peritoneal carcinomatosis, where cancer spreads to the abdominal cavity. Clinical trials are exploring treatments that could help lower this risk. With increasing cases among younger individuals, knowing about family history and symptoms is vital. If symptoms arise, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional about screenings or genetic testing options.