What is stomach cancer?

The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide and die. Sometimes, cells mutate (change) and begin to grow and divide more quickly than normal cells. Rather than dying, these abnormal cells clump together to form tumors. If these tumors are cancerous (also called "malignant"), they can invade and kill your body's healthy tissues. From these tumors, cancer cells can metastasize (spread) and form new tumors in other parts of the body. By contrast, noncancerous tumors (also called "benign") do not spread to other parts of the body.

Stomach cancer (also called ¡°gastric cancer¡±) is the growth of cancer cells in the lining and wall of the stomach.

Your chances of getting stomach cancer are higher if you have had a stomach infection caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. You are also more likely to get stomach cancer if you:

• Are a man.
• Are older than 50 years of age.
• Have several close relatives who have had stomach cancer.
• Smoke cigarettes.
• Abuse alcohol.
• Eat a lot of pickled or salty foods.
• Are an African American, Hispanic American, Asian American or Pacific Islander.