Minority Women's Health - Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians - Health Topics

Stomach Cancer

Asian American/Pacific Islander women have the highest rates for new cases of stomach cancer compared to women of all other groups. Rates of stomach cancer are three times higher than among white women.

Stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs, even distant organs. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages, which can make the cancer hard to find early. In many cases, the cancer has spread before it is found. When symptoms do occur, they are often so mild that the person ignores them. Stomach cancer can cause:

indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn)

discomfort or pain in the abdomen (stomach area)

nausea and vomiting

diarrhea or constipation

bloating of the stomach after meals

loss of appetite

weakness and fatigue (feeling very tired)

vomiting blood or having blood in the stool

Any of these symptoms can be caused by stomach cancer. But they can also be caused by less serious health problems, such as a stomach virus or a peptic ulcer. Still, you should see your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Publications

SEER Stat Fact Sheets — Cancer of the Stomach — Asian Americans have high rates of stomach cancer. This fact sheet features stomach cancer case in the United States by race and gender. It also presents information on trends and survival rates.

http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/stomach.html

Stomach (Gastric) Cancer — This Web page provides an overview of stomach cancer. It explains the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer, as well as the causes, risk factors, treatment options, and more.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/stomach/

Asian Language Materials (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This Web site lists the American Cancer Society materials available in several Asian languages, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ASN/ASN_0.asp

Overview: Stomach Cancer (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This online publication provides an overview of stomach cancer. It discusses the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment for stomach cancer, and lists questions you should ask your doctor. It also gives information about the latest research being conducted on stomach cancer.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?rnav=criov&dt=40

Stomach Cancer (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This publication provides an overview of stomach cancer, discussing topics such as symptoms, complications, and when to seek medical help. It also includes advice about coping skills and getting support.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-cancer/DS00301

Strength as a Survivor: Living After Cancer Treatment (Copyright © Lance Armstrong Foundation) — This brochure was written for Asian-American cancer survivors. It discusses the many physical, practical, and emotional concerns of cancer survivors. The brochure encourages survivors to seek support and lists organizations that can help them manage their concerns.

http://www.livestrong.org/atf/cf/%7BFB6FFD43-0E4C-4414-8B37-0D001EFBDC49%7D/brochure_asa.pdf...

What Are the Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer? (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This online publication provides a list of risk factors for stomach cancer. Although showing signs of these risk factors does not mean that you have the disease, it is important to know what to look for.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_2x_what_are_the_risk_factors_for_stomach_cancer_40.asp?si...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.

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