Men’s health is much more than just keeping fit, handling stress and visiting the doctor from time to time. Many men are unaware of the serious diseases that often do not display any symptoms in their early stages. Gastric cancer, for example, can start to grow in the stomach lining of men and cause severe distress at a later stage. Gastric cancer occurs when cancerous cells start to grow in the stomach lining and the following article describes a specific type and how it can be treated.
Cancer can be overwhelming. Being informed of the treatment options for a certain form of cancer and what to ask your oncologist for can help make the process easier for you and your loved ones.
Recognizing the Signs of Gastric Cancer
As gastric cancer develops in the stomach lining, cancer cells in the early stages of gastric cancer often do not cause any symptoms. In some cases, gastric discomfort like indigestion after eating, feeling full easily even after eating a small amount of food, nausea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing and persistent fatigue are some early symptoms.
As with many cancers, the early signs of gastric cancer can be like other more common and less serious digestive problems and so at first, they can be easily mistaken for something else. However, it is important to seek a proper medical diagnosis should any persistent or worsening symptoms occur.
Men often delay seeking medical help as they believe their gastric pain is due to pressure at work and other stress factors or because they occasionally miss meals. Many men delay going to the doctor for long periods of time and it is only when the symptoms get worse that they seek medical help. Sometimes it is too late.
What Makes Gastric Cancer HER2-Positive?
HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a protein which helps cells to grow. The cancer cells in some cases of stomach cancer produce excess amounts of HER2 protein or even have more HER2 genes. By promoting the growth and division of cancer cells, the HER2 protein contributes to the development of cancer.
Most often the HER2 status of gastric cancer is determined by examination of tumor tissue from a patient with cancer. The expression of the HER2 protein in cancer cells is measured using IHC (immunohistochemistry), whereas HER2 gene status is measured using ISH (in situ hybridization) tests.
It is also important to note that HER2 status alone is not enough to her2 positive gastric cancer treatment and that other parameters such as tumor location, tumor staging, presence of other biomarkers and previous treatment(s) as well as the patient’s general health condition need to be taken into account for an appropriate treatment decision.
Understanding Available Treatment Options
Treating cancer depends on the cancer’s localization, i.e. whether it has spread to surrounding tissue only, to neighboring organs or to distant parts of the body. There are several different methods to treat cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immuno-therapy, alone or in combination.
Tislelizumab is a targeted therapy for patients with HER2-positive stomach cancer. Tislelizumab is attached to a HER2-positive cancer cell and interferes with the cancer cell signals that promote growth and helps the body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy as an initial treatment for eligible patients with advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.
As a man with gastric cancer that is her2 positive, you may want to ask your oncologist why he or she recommended a particular combination of medicines and what kind of benefits you can expect. He or she can also tell you about other alternatives that may be available for you and are approved by local authorities.
What Existing Health Conditions Influence Treatment
Other health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, could affect treatments or increase the risk of complications and need to be considered when selecting the best option for a man’s overall health.
Also, consideration will be given to the patient’s current prescription medicines, their supplement intake, nutritional status, level of physical activity and the patient’s activities daily before determining the best treatment option.
You should be able to maintain a healthy diet, adhere to your medical treatment and notify your doctor of any other health problems you may have before starting your cancer treatment. Additionally, you should verify that your doctor knows about any other medications that you are currently taking and any health supplements that you are taking.
When discussing her2 positive gastric cancer treatment, patients should also consider how their existing health conditions, current medications and nutritional needs may influence the treatment plan.
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Side effects of cancer treatment can vary from person to person and can differ from treatment to treatment. Side effects from chemotherapy like nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite and reduced blood cells, can sometimes be severe and sometimes last a long time. It is also possible that the medicine trastuzumab can influence the heart. For this reason, it is important to have regular heart check-ups before and during the treatment. Patients should immediately report any signs or symptoms of cough or shortness of breath and/or of fever.
Men can work with their health care team to manage the side effects of cancer treatment and other symptoms using a variety of methods. A patient and his loved ones can work together to find the best methods for dealing with the various side effects and symptoms of his cancer. There are also a variety of support groups, for patients with cancer and their loved ones, where men can find support from others dealing with similar cancer issues and treatments. Men on treatment should also be informed of the rare but serious side effects and know what symptoms require urgent assessment and how they can contact health professionals including after hours.
The Importance of Follow-Up and Emotional Well-Being
Men with cancer can receive the right care if they attend all the planned follow-up appointments. These appointments enable their medical team to check the progression of the cancer and watch out for any possible complications or side effects. If necessary, the oncology team can change the patient’s treatment.
Along with physical health, we should also look after the emotional wellbeing of men with cancer. Many people with cancer can feel anxious or worried about their work, financial situation, and relationships with family and friends. However, this can be discussed with loved ones, and many people with cancer go to see a counselor. Even simple support from other people with cancer and their families can be very helpful.
While family members may be very helpful in many aspects of care (attending patients, helping to manage or remembering doses of treatment etc.), patients must remember that decisions about their care are ultimately up to the patient and should be made with consideration of their own goals and priorities.
Taking an Active Role in Cancer Care
Appreciation of HER2-positive gastric cancer is important for any man’s health. Though individual outcomes may differ, appropriate diagnosis and treatment, as well as continued monitoring, are key to optimal cancer care for everyone.
Patients with gastric cancer and their families should go over the symptoms and medical conditions of the patient as well as the concerns and goals of the patient for treatment and for the quality of life with their doctors. Patients can get the right treatment by getting the most up-to-date information about their disease and by following the appropriate treatment for their individual situation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice, a clinical guideline, or a recommendation for any specific treatment.
