Stomach Cancer Treatment

What is Stomach Cancer Treatment?

Stomach cancer treatment uses different methods to fight cancer in the stomach. These might include: 

• surgery to remove the cancer,
• chemotherapy to kill cancer cells,
• radiation therapy to target the affected tissues,
• and sometimes targeted drugs that attack cancer cells more specifically.

The aim is to get rid of the cancer, help relieve any symptoms, and stop it from spreading.

Stomach Cancer Treatment Recovery Timeline

• Recovery Time: Recovery varies widely. It usually takes a few weeks to several months, depending on the treatment's intensity and the patient's health.
• Stay in Turkey: Patients may need to stay in Turkey from one to three months for their treatment and initial recovery.
• Return to Work: Most patients can go back to work within 2 to 3 months, depending on how they feel and the type of work they do.
• Return to Exercise: A few weeks after treatment, patients can begin gentle exercises. However, they should avoid heavy lifting until they are fully recovered.
• Visibility of Results: It usually takes a few months to see the full effects of the treatment. Regular check-ups are important during this time.
• Activities to Avoid: Stay away from hard physical work and heavy lifting until you've fully recovered.
• Diet Post-Surgery: Start with soft or liquid foods. As you start feeling better, you can gradually include more solid foods in your diet.

How Does Stomach Cancer Treatment Procedure Work

Consultation

The first step is a consultation where doctors look at your health, discuss treatment options, and explain what to expect and possible side effects.

Before the Surgery

Before surgery, you'll need to stop eating for a time, stop certain medicines, and have some tests to make sure you're ready for surgery.

The Surgery

The main goal of surgery is to remove the cancer. The exact procedure depends on how much the cancer has spread. Some surgeries might be small, and others more extensive.

Follow up

After treatment, follow-up care is key. This means regular visits to check for any signs of cancer coming back and manage any side effects. These visits start about a week after treatment and continue regularly.

Side Effects of Stomach Cancer Treatment Procedure

• Feeling sick and vomiting
• Losing your appetite
• Losing weight
• Feeling very tired
• Stomach pain
• Risk of getting an infection

Stomach Cancer Treatment Surgery Results

How well patients do after surgery can vary.If the cancer is caught early and treated, many patients do well. Studies show that patients with early-stage stomach cancer have a 70% chance of living for at least five years after their treatment.

How to Prepare for Stomach Cancer Treatment Surgery

• Don't take any blood-thinning medications unless your doctor says it’s okay.
• Quit smoking and don't drink alcohol for at least two weeks before your surgery.
• Make sure someone can drive you home after your surgery.
• Plan to take enough time off work so you can recover without stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are early signs of stomach cancer?

Early signs include constant stomach pain, feeling bloated, and having trouble eating.

How is stomach cancer diagnosed?

Doctors use special cameras to look inside your stomach, take small samples of your stomach lining. And perform scans like CT scans to diagnose stomach cancer.

What are the survival rates for stomach cancer?

The chances of surviving stomach cancer depend on how early it's found. Finding it early greatly improves your chances.

Can diet affect stomach cancer?

Yes, what you eat can influence your risk. Eating less processed meat and more fruits and vegetables can help lower your risk.

Is stomach cancer treatment painful?

There can be some discomfort with the treatment, but managing pain is a big part of care after surgery.

How long do you stay in the hospital for stomach cancer surgery?

The length of the hospital stay can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how extensive the surgery is.

Are there alternative treatments for stomach cancer?

Yes, in addition to standard treatments, some patients may have access to clinical trials and other alternative methods.

How do you pick the right clinic in Turkey for treatment?

Choose clinics that are recognized by international health organizations and staffed by doctors who specialize in stomach cancer.

This guide simplifies understanding stomach cancer treatment in Turkey, covering what to expect during treatment, how to prepare, and how to manage recovery.