Gastric Cancer Care
What is Gastric Cancer?
Gastric cancer is term used to describe cancer that occurs in the stomach. The most common type of stomach cancer occurs within the mucus-producing cells on the inside lining of the stomach (adenocarcinoma). Over time, the cancer may invade more deeply into the stomach wall and may grow through the stomach’s outer layer into nearby organs, such as the liver, pancreas, esophagus, or intestine.
It’s important to note that over the decades true gastric cancer has continued to decline. However, cancers of the junction between the esophagus and stomach are increasing. These latter tumors appear to be more similar to esophageal cancers rather than true gastric cancer.
Symptoms of Gastric Cancer
Signs and symptoms of gastric cancer may include:
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Feeling full and/or bloated after eating small amounts of food
- Heartburn and/or indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
Because gastric cancer symptoms are similar to many other gastrointestinal conditions, accurate evaluation is critical to ensure proper treatment. That’s why it’s important to seek care from a health care expert experienced in the complex diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.
Are you concerned about your risk for cancer?
Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer
The exact cause of gastric cancer is unknown. However, factors that may increase an individual’s risk of stomach cancer include:
- A diet high in smoked, salted and pickled foods
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Eating foods contaminated with aflatoxin fungus
- Family history of stomach cancer
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori
- Long-term stomach inflammation
- Pernicious anemia
- Smoking
- Stomach polyps
Gastric Cancer Nurse Navigator
A clinical nurse navigator serves an important role as facilitator and guide for patients, providing resources, access to clinical providers and answering questions throughout the cancer journey.
Expert Care You Can Trust
Hoag is committed to accurate diagnosis, combined with progressive therapeutic options enables Hoag patients to achieve some of the highest clinical outcomes in the nation. Hoag’s Gastric Cancer Program is led by a team of highly skilled physicians, clinicians and a dedicated clinical nurse navigator, all focused on your cancer journey.
Groundbreaking Clinical Trials & Research
Hoag leads innovative clinical trials, including immunotherapy agents, all pushing for more advanced, effective care for gastric cancer patients.
Meet the Team
Your multidisciplinary gastric cancer team at Hoag will guide you every step of the way through your care. We are here for you.
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John C. Lipham, M.D. Program Director – Hoag Foregut Cancer, James & Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair in GI Cancer
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Diana L. Hanna, MD Program Director, Phase 1 Research, Oncologist
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Tara E. Seery, MD Co-Director, Cellular Therapy Research, Medical Oncologist
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Phuong T. Nguyen, M.D. Program Advisor – Advanced Endoscopy, Interventional Gastroenterologist
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Paul J. Korc, MD Interventional Gastroenterologist, Advanced Endoscopist
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Diane Eadie, R.N., B.S.N. GI Nurse Navigator
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Peter V. Chen, M.D. Radiation Oncologist
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Brian S. Kim, M.D. Radiation Oncologist
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Shane A. Lloyd, MD Radiation Oncologist
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Kevin Lin, MD Radiation Oncologist
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Craig A. Cox, M.D. Medical Director, Radiation Oncology Program
We are here for you
Cancer care is a journey, one taken by you, your family and friends, and alongside Hoag. Hoag Family Cancer Institute can pair you with a dedicated clinical nurse navigator to support you with resources, connections to providers, and most importantly, help make you feel like you again.