Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Pathways

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Stomach cancer, often referred to as gastric cancer, is a sneaky cancer.  Its symptoms can be easily mistaken for more benign conditions like indigestion or acid reflux, making early detection a challenge. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into this complex disease with the help of two esteemed experts: gastroenterologist Dr. Walid Chaloub, and Dr. Reetu Mukherji, a medical oncologist from MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute in D.C. 

Host Debra Schindler explores the biology of stomach cancer with her physician guests to understand how mutations in the DNA of stomach cells can lead to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation. This formidable disease often goes unnoticed until it has advanced significantly, highlighting the critical need for awareness and early detection. 

Dr. Mukherji shares the various risk factors associated with stomach cancer, including smoking, diet, and certain bacterial infections like H. Pylori. She emphasizes the importance of molecular testing in diagnosing and treating this disease, as it can reveal specific mutations that may be targeted with personalized therapies. The episode also explores the different diagnostic tools available, such as endoscopy and CT scans, and the role of tumor markers in assessing the presence of cancer. While these tools are invaluable, Dr. Mukherji stresses that they are not foolproof, underscoring the importance of comprehensive testing and expert analysis. 

One of the most enlightening parts of the discussion is the potential for treatment and even cure. While surgery is a common approach, not all patients are candidates. The podcast highlights the evolving role of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, offering hope to those battling this disease. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the symptoms to watch for, the importance of genetic predispositions, and the latest advancements in treatment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about stomach cancer, whether for personal knowledge or to support a loved one. Tune in to this informative episode to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to recognize the signs of stomach cancer early and explore the treatment options available. Your Health, or that of someone you care about, could depend on it.

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For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.