ABSTRACT
The development of gastric cancer has been shown to be associated with increased consumption of foods with high salt content, and low intake of fruit and vegetables. Helicobacter pylori infection and cigarette smoking have been shown to be associated with gastric cancer. A barium meal can help to diagnose cases of suspected gastric outflow obstruction. This is particularly useful in cases where the gastric tumour prevents the physical passage of the scope, and it can help to provide a crude estimate of the extent of tumour bulk. Malnutrition is a significant problem as a result of both reduced appetite and the catabolic state of malignancy. Dietary requirements should be ascertained by a dietician and supplemented as appropriate. It is important to optimise the patient’s condition prior to either chemotherapy or surgery. The pathogenesis of gastric cancer involves an array of growth factors, and studies have demonstrated the potential role of inhibitors targeted against epidermal and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors.
