Question 1

What is Gastric Cancer?

Accepted Answer

Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the stomach. It is caused by chronic inflammation from Helicobacter pylori infection, dietary factors, and genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test is the most important tumor marker for monitoring gastric cancer progression and treatment response.

Question 2

What causes gastric cancer?

Accepted Answer

Gastric cancer is caused by chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which inflames the stomach lining over many years. Other contributing factors include consuming high amounts of smoked, salted, or pickled foods, tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and genetic mutations like CDH1 gene alterations. Family history of gastric cancer and certain conditions like pernicious anemia or chronic gastritis also increase risk.

Question 3

What is the best test for gastric cancer?

Accepted Answer

The Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) test is the most important blood test for monitoring gastric cancer because it detects elevated levels of this tumor marker protein that cancer cells often produce. The Carbohydrate Antigen (CA) 19-9 test is also essential as it provides additional tumor marker information to track treatment response and disease progression. While these blood tests cannot definitively diagnose gastric cancer on their own, they are valuable tools for monitoring patients during and after treatment. The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is critical for identifying the primary bacterial cause of gastric cancer risk and should be performed as part of preventive screening.

Question 4

When should I get tested for gastric cancer?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent stomach pain or discomfort, unintentional weight loss, difficulty swallowing, frequent nausea or vomiting, or blood in your stool. Testing is also recommended if you have a known H. Pylori infection, a family history of gastric cancer, or chronic gastritis. Early detection through tumor marker monitoring can help identify disease progression sooner, allowing for timely treatment adjustments.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of gastric cancer?

Accepted Answer

Gastric cancer symptoms include persistent indigestion, bloating after meals, stomach pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, and feeling full after eating small amounts. You might notice unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, blood in stool or black tarry stools, and fatigue from anemia. In advanced stages, symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and yellowing of the skin. Many early-stage gastric cancers have no symptoms, which is why monitoring risk factors like H. Pylori infection is important.

Question 6

Who is at risk for gastric cancer?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic Helicobacter pylori infection have the highest risk of developing gastric cancer, especially if left untreated for decades. Other risk factors include being over age 50, being male, having a family history of gastric cancer, consuming a diet high in smoked or salted foods, tobacco use, and heavy alcohol consumption. Individuals with pernicious anemia, chronic gastritis, stomach polyps, or genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome also face elevated risk.

Question 7

What happens if gastric cancer is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated gastric cancer spreads to nearby organs like the liver, pancreas, and esophagus, and eventually metastasizes to distant sites through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. This progression leads to severe complications including complete bowel obstruction, severe bleeding, perforation of the stomach wall, and life-threatening peritonitis. Advanced gastric cancer causes extreme weight loss, malnutrition, severe pain, and significantly reduced quality of life. The five-year survival rate drops dramatically as the cancer advances, making early detection and treatment critical.

Question 8

Can gastric cancer be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Gastric cancer cannot be definitively diagnosed with blood tests alone, as diagnosis requires endoscopy with tissue biopsy and imaging studies like CT scans. However, blood tests for tumor markers like CEA and CA 19-9 play an essential role in monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness. The H. Pylori test identifies the primary bacterial risk factor for gastric cancer development. Blood tests provide valuable supplementary information that helps healthcare providers track cancer status over time and detect changes that may indicate recurrence.

Question 9

How is gastric cancer treated?

Accepted Answer

Gastric cancer treatment typically involves surgery to remove part or all of the stomach, depending on cancer stage and location. Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be combined with chemotherapy to target cancer cells more effectively. Targeted therapy drugs like trastuzumab and ramucirumab are used for specific cancer types with particular genetic markers. Treatment plans are individualized based on cancer stage, location, patient health, and genetic characteristics of the tumor.

Question 10

How can I prevent gastric cancer?

Accepted Answer

Preventing gastric cancer starts with testing for and treating Helicobacter pylori infection if detected, as this eliminates the primary risk factor. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting smoked, salted, pickled, and processed foods. Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption to reduce stomach lining irritation. Maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity and balanced nutrition. If you have a family history of gastric cancer or genetic risk factors, discuss regular screening options with your healthcare provider.

Question 11

What can I do at home for gastric cancer symptoms?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot treat gastric cancer itself, you can manage symptoms by eating small, frequent meals instead of large portions to reduce stomach discomfort. Choose soft, easy-to-digest foods like yogurt, oatmeal, and steamed vegetables if you have difficulty swallowing. Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, and clear broths to maintain nutrition. Avoid spicy, acidic, or fried foods that irritate the stomach lining. Ginger tea may help reduce nausea, and elevating your head while sleeping can minimize reflux symptoms. Always coordinate any symptom management strategies with your oncology team.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Gastric Cancer Blood Test

What is Gastric Cancer?

What causes gastric cancer?

What is the best test for gastric cancer?

When should I get tested for gastric cancer?

References

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