Stomach cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers in many parts of the world.
Almost all stomach cancers start in glandular tissue lining in the stomach. A tumor may spread along the stomach wall or may grow directly through the wall and shed cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system . Once beyond the stomach, cancer can spread to other organs. Stomach cancer used to be a leading cancer in the United States, but now much less prevalent. Many authorities credit diet for the dramatic decline in stomach cancer among Americans, mainly because fruits and vegetables are available year round and less cured meats are eaten due to refrigeration.