Cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in any part of your body. When this is observed to happen in the stomach, it is known as stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer. It is capable of affecting any part of the stomach.
However, in most cases, stomach cancer has been observed to form in the central part of the stomach.
The stomach cancer treatment approach or plan depends on the section of the stomach that has been affected. However, the usual treatment comprises surgery that is done to remove cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Uncomfortable swallowing
- After waiting, there might be a feeling of bloating
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- You might feel full even after consuming a small amount of food
- Unintentional loss of weight
- Heartburn
Nine life-saving tips for stomach cancer patients
Get a Customized Diet Chart
You must take the right amount of calories and nutrition when you are battling cancer. Unfortunately, stomach cancer can make it difficult for you to stick to your regular food choice. However, a dietician will help you cope with the body’s needs and give a proper diet chart to balance nutrients.
Avoid Unhealthy Lifestyle
Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can prove your stomach cancer treatment to be unsuccessful. To heal faster, you must refrain from such activities that can potentially harm you further.
It is advisable to join support groups or consult your doctor to take a break from drinking or smoking the correct way as it may lead to suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Boost Your Immune System
Having a sound immune system will allow you to fight against cancer. However, the ailment itself can put a lot of strain on your immunity if you don’t take care of it, increasing the risk of welcoming infections.
Besides following a balanced diet, you must follow the steps mentioned below to ensure a safer and healthy environment around you.
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid going to crowded places
- Sanitise your objects often
- Consult a doctor about immunisation against infections
Exercise Daily
It would be best if you asked your doctor about the exercises that are safe for your condition. Regularly exercising will allow you to withstand physical and mental stresses caused by cancer and even its treatment.
You need to ensure you don’t exert much due to exercising. Instead, take proper rests throughout the day. Consulting your doctor regarding an exercise plan would be an ideal approach.
Switch to Solid Foods (Gradually)
After getting treated for stomach cancer, your digestive system will require some time to heal itself completely. Therefore, your doctor will suggest that you let your gut rest while healing. Thus, patients are known to consume liquids in the beginning.
Your health team will indicate to you the right path for the transition of your diet. However, you must be calm and patient as the healing process might take several weeks or months.
Consume Smaller, Frequent Meals
The way you used to eat before and after your stomach cancer surgery might not be the same. For instance, post your surgery, you will only be able to eat food in small amounts at one meal.
Therefore, there will be a necessity for you to have frequent meals. However, it might take some time for you to adjust and meet your nutrient needs; therefore, you must talk to your nutritionist.
Prefer a Protein-Rich Diet
Protein gives the body power to heal, repair cells and tissues. Try including protein-rich food in your snacks or your meal. Some of the food items that are a source of protein are- eggs, meat items like chicken, fish or turkey, nuts, beans or soy foods.
Connect With Other Stomach Cancer Patients
Cancer support groups are found to be helpful for many cancer warriors. These groups allow you to connect with other cancer patients who are either fighting or have completed their treatment. Their experiences can help you boost your power to fight cancer and emerge to be a proud survivor.
Avoid Dairy Products After Surgery
Stomach cancer treatment can be long and laborious. The surgery might lead to lactose intolerance. In the beginning, try avoiding dairy products like creamy soups, milk, yoghurt, cheese and ice cream. However, once you observe that your body has started handling the dairy items after the surgery, you can resume it.
Conclusion
Max Healthcare is one of the best cancer treatment centres in India for stomach cancer treatment. The team at Max Healthcare comprises highly trained and qualified professionals who are experts at treating patients. The hospital is also equipped with high-quality and cutting-edge technologies to handle patients in various cancer stages and problems.
