What to do about advanced gastric cancer
Disease description:
My grandfather has not been feeling well for a long time. Recently, he has had no appetite and often experiences stomach pain. When we went to the hospital for a checkup, the doctor diagnosed him with stomach cancer, which is already in an advanced and severe stage. I would like to ask about the treatment options for late-stage stomach cancer.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
In the face of advanced gastric cancer, the following management strategies may be considered:
1. Palliative care: For patients whose condition cannot be controlled through curative treatments, palliative care becomes particularly important. It aims to relieve symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.
2. Nutritional support: Due to common digestive and absorptive impairments in patients with advanced gastric cancer, nutritional support is crucial. Enteral feeding via tubes or parenteral nutrition may be required to maintain the patient's nutritional status.
3. Psychosocial support: Facing the stress of illness, patients and family members may experience emotional issues such as anxiety and depression. Psychological counseling and social work services can help them cope with these challenges and provide emotional support.
4. Lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a positive attitude towards life, engaging in appropriate physical activity, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, and following the doctor's recommendations for regular follow-ups are all important self-management measures.
At the same time, patients with advanced gastric cancer should maintain a positive mindset and work together with healthcare providers and family members.
