ARTICLE
Immunotherapy enhances survival in stomach cancer! 6 critical signs of stomach cancer! PROFESSOR FAYSAL DANE EMPHASIZES THAT REDUCTION OF THOSE RISKS MAY PARTIALLY PREVENT THE STOMACH CANCER. STOMACH CANCER IS USUALLY DIAGNOSED IN LATE STAGE BOTH IN OUR COUNTRY AND WESTERN COUNTRIES. ONLY ONE THIRD OF PATIENTS CAN BE DIAGNOSED IN AN EARLY STAGE Professor Faysal Dane
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lthough stomach cancer is globally the fifth most common cancer, it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Almost one million people are diagnosed with stomach cancer annually around the world, while around 780 thousand people die due to stomach cancer. Approximately 12 thousand people are diagnosed with stomach cancer annually in Turkey and around 10 thousand people die due to stomach cancer. The most important underlying cause is lack of symptom in early-stage stomach cancer and late diagnosis due to ignorance of complaints that emerge when the tumor grows, as patients consider ‘indigestion’ for the underlying cause of the complaints. The relieving news is about the results of trials conducted on immunotherapy that is regarded as the major step recently taken in anti-cancer treatment. According to recent studies, immunotherapy delays progression of the disease and thus prolongs the survival by contributing to the shrinkage of the tumor in patients with stomach cancer. Also, it acts without deteriorating patient’s quality of life and it does not result in severe side
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effects. Professor of Medical Oncology Faysal Dane, M.D., from Acıbadem Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey says “Thanks to advancements in treatment of the stomach cancer, not only quality of life is boosted, but also the survival is prolonged. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that as is the case with all cancer types, early diagnosis is very critical for stomach cancer.”
6 critical signs of stomach cancer! Stomach cancer has certain risk factors, including but not limited to Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, alcohol, obesity, too salty foods, certain food preservatives, deep fried foods and genetic predisposition. Professor Faysal Dane emphasizes that reduction of those risks may partially prevent the stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is usually diagnosed in late stage both in our country and Western countries. Only one third of patients can be diagnosed in an early stage. There are certain reasons for this fact: the condition does not cause any symptom in early stage; stomach cancer does not have specific symptoms; and screening methods are seldom used. “From this perspective, one may speculate that stomach cancer progresses insidiously”, says Professor of Medical Oncology Faysal Dane and adds that the complaints emerging due to progression of the tumor should not be ignored
