Once again, because abdominal cancer encompasses so many specific conditions, there are a variety of populations that may be at a higher risk for any one of the individual types of abdominal cancer. You can learn more about each of these specific conditions in the “Conditions” tab of our website above.

Risk factors for abdominal cancers vary greatly based on the specific condition, but there are a number of things that may put a patient at a heightened risk for developing some form of abdominal cancer:

• Tobacco & Alcohol Use: Tobacco and alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer across the board, and in particular for abdominal cancers. Alcohol consumption causes liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) which greatly increases the risk for liver cancer, and alcohol can also increase the risk of stomach or colorectal cancer. Tobacco use also increases the risk for a number of forms of abdominal cancers.
• Diet: In general, people who eat a diet high in salt, fat, starch and low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, are at an increased risk for developing abdominal cancer.
• Weight: Obesity is linked to a number of cancerous conditions, including forms of abdominal cancer.
• Age: Patients over age 50 are at a heightened risk for many forms of abdominal cancer.

Symptoms will vary based on the specific condition, but some common symptoms of abdominal cancers include:

• Bloating
• Pain in the stomach or abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Feeling full even after eating only a small amount
• Blood in the urine

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an evaluation by a doctor as soon as possible. The faster abdominal cancer is detected and treated, the greater the likelihood of success.

Your cancer doctor may opt for any number of a variety of diagnostic tests to detect the presence of an abdominal cancer. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may order any of the following tests and screenings to aid in diagnosis:

• Fecal occult blood test
• Upper endoscopy (with or without a biopsy)
• Biopsy
• Upper GI series
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• CT Scan
• PET Scan
• Blood tests

Treatment options vary greatly based on each patient’s specific condition, diagnosis, and type of cancer. Depending on these factors, we may recommend any of the following treatments or a combination of treatments:

• Conventional Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapy

While it’s not mandatory in all cases, a second opinion is almost always a good idea for anyone with a cancer diagnosis. Some insurance companies require a second opinion before starting any form of cancer treatment. You may choose to get a second opinion for any number of reasons, including:

• Feeling uncomfortable with your treatment decision
• Diagnosis with a rare form of cancer
• Being unsure how to choose between multiple treatment options
• Getting a diagnosis from a doctor who isn’t a specialist in your particular form of cancer

There are a number of options available to help you get a second opinion, including:

• Ask Your Regular Doctor: Your primary care doctor knows your specific medical history best, and they can often connect you with a specialist in your specific form of cancer. This may be a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, or any other form of cancer doctor.
• Call the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service: Call 800-422-6237 (900-4-CANCER) for information on nearby treatment facilities, cancer centers, and NCI-supported programs to help you get a second opinion and access to the best possible treatment.
• Seek Out Other Options: In addition to these resources, you can also check with local medical societies, hospitals, medical schools, support groups, or organizations specific to your type of cancer to get help. In addition to these official resources, you can also talk to survivors of your form of cancer to get their recommendations.

Call OC CyberKnife: At OC CyberKnife, we regularly provide second opinions for a wide range of cancerous conditions. Call us today at 714.962.7100 for a free phone consultation and to learn more about getting an official second opinion.