K-Drama Star Kang Seo-ha’s Dies At 31: What You Should Know About Stomach Cancer

South Korean actress Kang Seo-ha, known for her roles in the K-dramas “Heart Surgeons” and “First Love Again,”has passed away at 31 years old after battling stage four stomach cancer. She died at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, according to a report by Korean media outlet Sports Kyunghang.

A close acquaintance announced the sad news on social media, sharing a heartfelt tribute: “Eonni (older close friend), I hope you’re happy and pain-free up there. I miss you so much.”
The acquaintance also recalled how Kang remained gracious and kind despite her suffering.
“Even while relying on painkillers, she kept saying she was grateful things weren’t worse. I felt ashamed hearing that,” the post read. “She suffered so much. I hope she finds only happiness now.”

What Is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells that begins in the stomach. The stomach is located in the upper middle part of the abdomen, just below the ribs, and plays a vital role in breaking down and digesting food.
Stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach, but in most parts of the world, it usually occurs in the main body of the stomach, known as the stomach body.
When stomach cancer spreads to other areas of the body, it is referred to as metastatic stomach cancer.

This can lead to various symptoms depending on where it spreads. For instance, if it spreads to the lymph nodes, it may cause lumps noticeable under the skin. If it reaches the liver, it can result in yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. When it spreads within the abdomen, it might lead to a build-up of fluid in the belly, causing it to appear swollen.

Causes Of Stomach Cancer

The exact cause of stomach cancer remains unclear. However, medical experts believe that most stomach cancers begin when something damages the inner lining of the stomach. Common examples include stomach infections, chronic acid reflux, and a diet high in salty foods. It’s important to note that not everyone with these risk factors develops stomach cancer.
Other contributing factors include a diet low in fresh fruits and vegetables, alcohol consumption, obesity or being overweight, pernicious anaemia (a condition characterized by low red blood cells), and a family history of stomach cancer.

Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer

In its early stages, stomach cancer often shows no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include indigestion and pain in the upper abdomen. In many cases, symptoms only become noticeable when the cancer has advanced. Advanced stomach cancer may present with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, unintentional weight loss, vomiting blood, and black stools.
Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Trouble swallowing
• Belly pain
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Feeling full after eating small amounts
• Lack of appetite even when you expect to feel hungry
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Unintentional weight loss
• Feeling extremely tired
• Black stools

Types Of Stomach Cancer

The type of stomach cancer is determined by the kind of cell where the cancer originated. Common types include:

• Adenocarcinoma: This type begins in the cells that produce mucus and is the most common form of stomach cancer. Nearly all stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST): GIST starts in special nerve cells found in the walls of the stomach and other digestive organs. It is classified as a soft tissue sarcoma.
• Carcinoid Tumors: These cancers begin in neuroendocrine cells, which have characteristics of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor.
• Lymphoma: This cancer originates in the immune system’s cells. Although the immune system primarily fights infections, lymphoma can develop in the stomach when immune cells are sent there to combat infection. Most stomach lymphomas are types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Treatments

Treatment for stomach cancer depends on factors such as the type, size, location, whether it has spread, and the patient’s overall health. Standard treatments typically include surgery and chemotherapy. Additional treatments may involve radiotherapy and targeted therapy with specific medicines.

Prevention

To help reduce the risk of stomach cancer, you can:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: Incorporate a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
• Limit salty and smoked foods: Reducing these in your diet helps protect your stomach lining.
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, take steps to quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Smoking significantly raises the risk of stomach and other cancers. Consult your healthcare provider for assistance if needed.
• Inform your healthcare provider about your family history: If stomach cancer runs in your family, discuss screening options. Screening tests can detect stomach cancer before symptoms arise.