Stomach is a place where food reaches after swallowing where it is stored for sometime and is churned vigourously. It is subjected to acid and few digestive enzyme treatment in the stomach. Cancer of the Stomach is one of the very common malignancy found in Indian Population.
It is unfortunately detected late in stage because early symptoms are ignored.
Loss of appetite is the commonest symptom. Weight loss, is anotherr common symptom . Weight loss is very significant and easily noticed by friends and relatives. Difficulty in swallowing, Abdominal lump, vomitting would be other symptoms depending on the location of the cancer. Ascites ( free fluid in abdominal cavity) appears in later stage. Diagnosis is made by high degree of suspicion. Barium swallow , Barium meal is easily available investigation even at Taluka places, which shows level and type of Gastroesophageal junctional or Gastric outlet obstruction or presence of mass or ulcer.  Endoscopy with biopsy is the  investigation of choice. After confirmation of diagnosis USG abdomen, EUS, and CT abdomen and thorax are done for investigational staging. Surgery can give Curative benefit in early stages. Japanese Studies have shown encouraging results as Disease is detected at very early stage and treated vigourously. Outside Japan  disease presents at relatively later stage. Radiotherapy , chemotherapy Endoscopic stent placement are the other modalities used as supportive measures.
To achieve Best results in Indian Population large scale awareness programme related to early detection and Avoidance of tobacco chewing campaigns are necessary.

Dr. Shriniwas Deshpande MS
Consultant Surgeon
Samarth Gastroenterology
Pune, India
http://www.samarthgastroenterology.com
9960644561