Introduction to Stomach Cancer Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is an abnormal growth of cells that form in the lining of the stomach. Taking care of your stomach is essential to maintaining overall health and well-being. The incidence of stomach cancer has decreased over the past few decades, mainly due to improved food preservation techniques and awareness of risk factors. Oncologists diagnose stomach cancer through endoscopy and biopsy. They determine the stage through imaging tests and decide on the best treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. The Best oncologists in Chennai work closely with surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. They also help patients manage side effects and maintain quality of life.

Treatment option for Stomach cancer

Dealing with stomach cancer is challenging enough without having to worry about treatment costs. However, being informed about the expenses involved can help you plan for care. Here’s an overview of the typical costs of various stomach cancer treatments and what’s covered by insurance.

Surgery Costs

Surgery is usually the main treatment for stomach cancer, especially in earlier stages.

Depending on the type of surgery, total costs can range from $20,000 to $80,000 or more.

Partial gastrectomy (removing part of the stomach) averages around $35,000-$50,000.
Total gastrectomy (removing the entire stomach) averages $60,000-$80,000.
Lymph node removal and biopsies add several thousand dollars.
Laparoscopic robotic surgery is more expensive, closer to $80,000.
Hospital stays average $2,000/day and may last 1-2 weeks.
Medications, medical supplies and anaesthesia fees add a few thousand more.

Insurance often covers a large percentage of surgery costs, but the patient’s share could still be thousands.

Chemotherapy Costs

Chemotherapy is commonly used before or after surgery. It may also be the main treatment for advanced stomach cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs like 5-FU, capecitabine, cisplatin or oxaliplatin cost $1,000-$5,000 or more per cycle.
A typical chemotherapy regimen is 6 cycles lasting several months, so total drug costs may be $10,000-$30,000.
Administration, hospital fees, and anti-nausea drugs add thousands more per cycle.
Newer targeted therapy drugs like trastuzumab or ramucirumab cost over $10,000/month.
Most insurance plans cover a large portion of medically necessary chemotherapy. Patient responsibility is often 20% or more.

Radiation Therapy Costs

Radiation helps shrink tumours before surgery or ease symptoms when cancer has spread.

Radiation therapy averages $5,000-$19,000 for a complete course. Daily treatments add up.
CT simulation scans used for planning add a few thousand dollars.
Insurance usually covers radiation therapy if deemed medically necessary. Out-of-pocket costs may be up to 20%.

Other Treatment Costs

Medications for pain, nausea and other treatment side effects can run from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Nutritional support like feeding tubes and IV nutrition average $5,000-$10,000/month.
At HCG Ranchi, follow-up tests like imaging scans help monitor for recurrence and may cost thousands.
Medical supplies, equipment rentals and wound care needs can all accumulate costs.

Precautions and care to take for stomach health:

Watch Your Diet

Diet is crucial for good stomach health. Avoid foods that commonly trigger indigestion or heartburn such as spicy, fried and fatty foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, and chocolate. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions. Stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily. Limit consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods.

Eat plenty of fibre found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Fiber aids digestion and prevents constipation. Get adequate protein from lean sources like poultry, fish, legumes, nuts and low-fat dairy. Consume healthy unsaturated fats from foods like olive oil, avocados and fatty fish. Avoid heavily processed foods which can irritate the stomach lining. Maintaining a diet with a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods supports overall stomach health.

Manage Your Weight

Being overweight puts extra pressure on your stomach and digestive system. Excess abdominal fat strains the stomach and increases acid reflux, heartburn and inflammation. Losing extra weight through diet and exercise goes a long way in improving stomach health and function. Even a moderate weight reduction of 5-10% can make a big difference in reducing stomach issues.

Quit Smoking

Smoking has multiple adverse effects on the stomach. The chemicals and carcinogens in cigarettes damage the stomach lining, interfere with stomach acid production, and may cause peptic ulcers or stomach cancer. Quitting smoking improves overall digestive function and stomach health.

Manage Stress

Stress takes a toll on the mind and body, including the digestive system. High stress can increase stomach inflammation, gastric acid secretion, ulcers, constipation or diarrhoea. Make time to relax through activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and getting enough sleep. Get stress levels evaluated if stomach problems worsen during times of high anxiety. Consider stress reduction techniques like counselling or support groups for chronic stress.

See Your Doctor

Consult your physician if you experience any persistent stomach or digestive issues. Symptoms like frequent heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, diarrhoea, constipation, unexplained weight loss or difficulty swallowing should be evaluated promptly. Screening tests like endoscopies can detect problems. Proper diagnosis and early treatment of stomach conditions may prevent complications down the road. Report any family history of stomach cancer or ulcers.