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It may not be as well known as other cancers like breast, colon and lung cancer, but stomach cancer – the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for much of the 20th century – is still a threat to the health of thousands of Americans.

While the number of new cases of stomach cancer has been dropping by about 1.5% each year in the U.S. over the last 10 years, stomach cancer currently ranks as the seventh most common cause of cancer death in the United States.

In 2024, an estimated 26,890 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., per the American Association for Cancer Research, while 10,880 Americans are expected to succumb to the disease this year. Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when cells in the stomach mutate and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Stomach cancer can go undetected because it often has no warning signs or symptoms in the early stages. When they do occur, symptoms can be like those of other gastrointestinal conditions, including indigestion, heartburn and mild nausea, which can lead to them being dismissed by patients and physicians for months. While early signs of stomach cancer are often vague, recognizing them will increase the likelihood of discovering the disease sooner, which improves the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes.

“Unfortunately, there’s no recommended screening exam for detecting stomach cancer early in the general population,” says Ingrid M. Chacon, MD, a gastroenterologist with STHS Clinics. “But in the last decade or so, doctors have been able to diagnose and treat stomach cancer earlier and more often due to medical advancements, including innovative endoscopic tools, which allow us to diagnose and treat patients earlier, when more treatment options are available.”

To help shine a spotlight on stomach cancer among residents of the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System (STHS) and South Texas Health System Clinics (STHS Clinics) will devote the latest episode of their monthly “South Texas Healthy Living” television program to the disease in commemoration of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.

Broadcast live on Sunday, November 24 at 11:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23, the program will feature an interview with an oncologist with Texas Oncology on the risk factors for stomach cancer.

Additionally, STHS System Director of Marketing and Public Relations and South Texas Healthy Living host Tom Castañeda sits down with an STHS Clinics Mental Wellbeing Clinic nutritionist to discuss ways to improve one’s gut health and reduce their risk of stomach cancer with a proper diet.

The program will also feature a special cooking segment led by Patrick Woodin, South Texas Health System McAllen’s director of dietary and nutrition services, a demonstration of essential exercises with a member of the STHS Edinburg Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, and important advice on prioritizing one’s overall gut health.

“While there’s no surefire way to prevent stomach cancer, there are a myriad of ways to help lower your risk, including eating a healthy diet that’s high in fiber and plant-based foods, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting sedentary behavior,” says Castañeda. “So, in the latest episode of ‘South Texas Healthy Living,’ we won’t just be highlighting the causes and risk factors associated with stomach cancer. We’ll also share advice on ways you can prioritize your gut health, including foods that can help with digestion and some great exercises from the comfort of your home to get healthy and stay healthy!”

If you or someone you love is at risk of stomach cancer, including older adults, don’t miss the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on Sunday, November 24 at 11:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23.