Question 1

What is Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)?

Accepted Answer

Stomach cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the stomach, also called gastric cancer. It is caused by chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which creates ongoing inflammation that can lead to cancerous changes in stomach tissue. The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is the most important test for identifying this major risk factor and enabling early intervention.

Question 2

What causes stomach cancer?

Accepted Answer

Stomach cancer is caused primarily by chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which infects the stomach lining and causes long-term inflammation. This persistent inflammation can lead to changes in the stomach tissue that may eventually become cancerous. Other contributing factors include smoking, a diet high in salty and smoked foods, family history of stomach cancer, and certain genetic conditions, but H. pylori infection remains the most significant preventable risk factor.

Question 3

What is the best test for stomach cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is the most important test for assessing stomach cancer risk because it detects the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, the leading preventable cause of gastric cancer. This non-invasive stool test identifies active H. pylori infection, which causes chronic inflammation that can progress to cancer over time. Early detection allows for antibiotic treatment to eradicate the bacteria and significantly reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer. While stomach cancer diagnosis itself requires endoscopy and biopsy, identifying and treating H. pylori infection is a crucial preventive step.

Question 4

When should I get tested for stomach cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have persistent stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, frequent indigestion or heartburn, nausea or vomiting, or a family history of stomach cancer. Testing is especially important if you experience ongoing stomach discomfort that doesnt improve with over-the-counter medications, or if you have blood in your stool or black tarry stools. Early detection of H. pylori infection allows for treatment that can prevent the development of stomach cancer.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?

Accepted Answer

Stomach cancer symptoms include persistent abdominal pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, feeling full after eating small amounts of food, heartburn or indigestion, nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and blood in the stool. You might also notice loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue, or swelling in the abdomen. Early-stage stomach cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why screening for risk factors like H. pylori is important for those with family history or other risk factors.

Question 6

Who is at risk for stomach cancer?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for stomach cancer include those with chronic H. pylori infection, individuals over age 50, men more than women, and people with a family history of stomach cancer. Your risk increases if you have a diet high in smoked, salted, or pickled foods, if you smoke tobacco, if you have pernicious anemia or chronic gastritis, or if you have had stomach polyps or prior stomach surgery. Certain genetic syndromes and ethnic backgrounds, particularly Asian, Hispanic, and African American populations, also have higher stomach cancer rates.

Question 7

What happens if stomach cancer risk factors are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated H. pylori infection can lead to chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers, and eventually stomach cancer over many years of persistent inflammation. The bacteria cause progressive damage to the stomach lining that can develop into precancerous changes and ultimately malignant tumors. Stomach cancer that develops and goes undetected can spread to other organs, making it much harder to treat. Early identification and treatment of H. pylori infection can prevent this progression and significantly reduce your cancer risk.

Question 8

Can stomach cancer be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Stomach cancer itself cannot be diagnosed with a blood test alone and requires endoscopy with tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis. However, blood and stool tests play a crucial role in identifying major risk factors like H. pylori infection that increase your chances of developing stomach cancer. The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test detects the bacteria responsible for most stomach cancers, allowing for early intervention before cancer develops. If risk factors are identified or symptoms persist, your doctor will recommend imaging studies and endoscopy.

Question 9

How is stomach cancer treated?

Accepted Answer

Stomach cancer treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer and typically involves surgery to remove part or all of the stomach, along with nearby lymph nodes. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells. Targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy are newer options for advanced stomach cancer. For H. pylori infection, a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications can successfully eradicate the bacteria and reduce cancer risk when caught early.

Question 10

How can I prevent stomach cancer?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce stomach cancer risk by getting tested and treated for H. pylori infection, eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting smoked and heavily salted foods, and avoiding tobacco use. Regular screening is important if you have a family history of stomach cancer or other risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight, treating stomach conditions like chronic gastritis promptly, and limiting alcohol consumption also help lower your risk. Early detection and treatment of H. pylori infection is one of the most effective preventive measures.

Question 11

What can I do at home for stomach health?

Accepted Answer

You can support stomach health by eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding foods that trigger discomfort like spicy or acidic items, and staying hydrated throughout the day. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight all benefit digestive health. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, which irritate the stomach lining. While these lifestyle measures support overall stomach health, they cannot replace medical testing for H. pylori or other risk factors, so get tested if you have symptoms or risk factors.

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.

Stomach Cancer Risk Blood Test

What is Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)?

What causes stomach cancer?

What is the best test for stomach cancer risk?

When should I get tested for stomach cancer risk?

References

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