Stomach cancer: understanding the signs and symptoms
Learn more about stomach cancer risk factors and our commitment to patients
November 22, 2023
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What causes stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs when malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach. The most common form of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops when glandular cells in the innermost lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably.
How common is stomach cancer?
Worldwide, there were more than one million patients diagnosed with stomach cancer and an estimated 768,793 patient deaths from the disease in 2020.
Who’s at risk for stomach cancer?
Anybody can be diagnosed with stomach cancer; however, it’s almost twice as common in men, and most people are older than 55 when diagnosed.
You may also have a higher chance of developing stomach cancer if you:
Have had a Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, which is an infection of the stomach, that commonly causes stomach ulcers.
Are overweight or obese.
Have a diet high in salty, smoked, pickled or salt-preserved foods and/or high in processed or grilled meats. Eating few or no fruits likely increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day.
Use tobacco.
Have had previous stomach surgery or health conditions, such as low stomach acid and bile reflux.
What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer?
Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms, which is why most cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.
Fatigue.
Heartburn, indigestion and anemia.
Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen, jaundice or weight loss without trying.
Poor appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting with or without blood or feeling full after a small meal.
Blood in stool.
Any of these warning signs should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you feel you’re at risk for stomach cancer.
If you have questions about stomach cancer and its symptoms, it’s important to discuss these with your doctor. Some questions to ask your doctor may include:
Q: Can young people be diagnosed with stomach cancer? A: While the majority of stomach cancer patients are over 55 years old, it’s important to know that younger people can also be diagnosed with stomach cancer. Nearly 5% of patients diagnosed with stomach cancer are under 40 years old.
Q: How do doctors determine the stage of a stomach cancer? A: When someone is diagnosed with stomach cancer, doctors will conduct tests, such as endoscopic procedures, biopsies and imaging, to help determine how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. By staging stomach cancer, doctors can determine how serious the cancer is and the best way to treat it.
“When facing a stomach cancer diagnosis, some patients may have existing misconceptions about the disease or be unsure about what this diagnosis will mean for them."
— Dr. Pooja Bhagia
GI clinical research scientist, MSD Research Laboratories
“Having an open conversation with your doctor about your questions and concerns may help reduce worry and help you understand what to expect in your cancer journey,” she added.
Harnessing innovative technology in drug discovery
MSD scientists explain how new technologies can accelerate the drug discovery process as we use the power of leading edge science to save and improve lives
November 16, 2023
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Our scientists are leveraging state-of-the-art capabilities to discover novel molecules that may lead to the medicines of tomorrow.
MSD Research Laboratories (MRL) scientists evaluate hundreds to thousands to up to billions of compounds to find a starting point for a new drug candidate. It all starts with identifying a target — usually a protein — that’s intrinsically associated with a particular disease and can be pharmacologically modulated. That’s where innovative tools like structure-based design, high-throughput screening and high-throughput experimentation, coupled with robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning can make a huge difference in progressing the work. And once a lead molecule is identified, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as an emerging structural method can be used to understand and improve how a molecule interacts with the protein target.
Utilizing the latest technologies and diligent work by teams of highly skilled and experienced scientists can potentially accelerate the discovery of new medicines for patients in need.
“We have an incredibly creative, smart and hardworking workforce. It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of that and to have access to the resources necessary for making scientific breakthroughs.”
Meet these young advocates helping to lead the response to HIV around the world
November 13, 2023
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HIV remains a global pandemic. In 2022 alone, an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide were newly diagnosed with HIV.
MSD has been committed to advancing science for the treatment and prevention of HIV for more than 35 years, but we know it takes all of us to make a difference for the HIV community.
And that’s just what these International AIDS Society (IAS) Young Leaders are doing. In 2022, our company was proud to be one of the groups to support 11 Young Leaders to co-create the Youth Hub — a youth-led networking platform that empowers young change-makers living with and affected by HIV to lead in the HIV response. They’re an inspiring group of advocates with different backgrounds and experiences in the response to HIV, each striving to empower and educate others from their respective corners of the globe.
Let’s meet some of these young change-makers.
Norman Chong | Malaysia
Norman Chong is using their gift of storytelling to encourage young people across the world to ask “Why?” Chong has been working to develop a solution-oriented platform to help address gaps in the HIV response for young people in Malaysia.
With their platform, called “We Ask the Y (WAY)”, Chong aims to provide tools for young people living with and affected by HIV to learn and network in support of social health, as well as economic and political justice. Chong also trains young researchers to translate and communicate findings into evidence-informed policies and practices to address barriers to health care for young people.
“If I have anything at all, it’s anchored on moving the dial with the question, “Why?”, and advocating for health care to be accessible to all, for policies designed to protect and empower, and never to divide and conquer.”
Norman Chong
Linda Joseph Robert | Uganda
Dismantling HIV stigma to support young people is the motivation for everything Linda Joseph Robert does. As a youth advocate, he helps to promote increased access to quality adolescent sexual and reproductive health services for young people through peer support interventions, community engagements and strategic partnerships. His passion for youth advocacy, activism and HIV-related programming came to life when he led a campaign to help reduce HIV stigma and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a young person living with HIV, Robert is driven to help increase access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Robert has held leadership positions including the role of youth advocate at AIDS Healthcare Foundation-Uganda Cares, and serves as a U=U Africa Forum Ambassador in Uganda.
“I’m motivated by the progress that has been made in the HIV field and excited to be part of the next generation of HIV professionals who will continue the journey toward ending the AIDS pandemic, where no one is left behind.”
Linda Joseph Robert
Elizabeth Onyango | Kenya
UKIMWI UNAUA is a term Elizabeth Onyango and others in Kenya know too well. Translated to “HIV kills,” this phrase influenced Onyango’s perception of HIV at a young age — as the messaging around HIV in her country was mostly about death and fear. Growing up, she lost close family and friends to HIV and saw how cultural beliefs and practices exposed young women and girls to HIV. It wasn’t until she went to high school that Onyango learned about ways to protect against HIV, which helped reduce the fear she grew up with — and sparked an interest in HIV prevention.
After high school, she volunteered at a female sex worker-led organization that champions human and health rights of sex workers. Today, Onyango continues to encourage young women to take action to ensure they have a say in decisions about their health.
“My goal is to champion meaningful engagement of women and girls in HIV prevention and advocate for structural changes to improve the quality of life of women living with HIV.”
Elizabeth Onyango
Isaac Ogunkola | Nigeria
A background in public health has given Isaac Ogunkola deep insight into the world of infectious diseases, especially HIV. His passion for HIV advocacy became clear after volunteering to encourage harm reduction for people who use drugs and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights programming for homeless children, refugees and young people.
Having witnessed young people in his community die as a result of drug overdose and HIV, Ogunkola is committed to unifying public health, harm reduction and human rights. Through his peer education project, he engages young refugees in West Africa to lead HIV prevention programs in their communities.
“I don’t want to see death in any age group or population caused by HIV or drug overdose again.”
Isaac Ogunkola
Ashley Rose Murphy | Canada
Ashley Murphy was 7 years old when her adoptive parents told her she was living with HIV. By age 10, Murphy began to speak publicly about living with HIV, talking to young people around the world about the stigma around HIV and how to protect and advocate for themselves. She’s been a key voice for youth activists engaged in the HIV response in Canada ever since presenting at the U.N. General Assembly and the Global Fund, and even hosting a TED Talk.
Today, Murphy is an ambassador for several foundations committed to ending the AIDS epidemic through research, government-funded programs, global advocacy, prevention, testing and treatment options. Murphy remains an inspiration for young Canadians living with or affected by HIV.
“I want everyone to know that an HIV diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. We can continue to live healthy and fulfilling lives, but it starts with educating yourself about your diagnosis and, most importantly, being your own advocate.”
Ashley Rose Murphy
Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu | Zimbabwe
Paul Ndhlovu has been using his voice to help young people living with and vulnerable to HIV in his native Zimbabwe for years. He’s produced a peer-led radio show as the creative radio champion for Zvandiri, an organization that “connects children and young people living with HIV with peer counselors to help assure health, happiness and hope.”
In his role, Ndhlovu — together with other adolescents and young people — has created a youth-friendly environment for people living with HIV to freely discuss challenges and issues in their own lives. The show explains to young people the importance of HIV prevention behaviors, the need for increased HIV testing, their sexual and reproductive rights, and available resources to help with mental health and well-being needs.
“The Zvandiri Radio Show is such an important platform. We’re providing an open forum for people living with HIV to freely come as themselves and talk about any challenges they may face.”
Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu
Stefano Regner | Philippines
Stefano Regner’s schedule is always busy, and as a physiotherapist and sexual health advocate, his work revolves around helping others.
As a trained HIV screener, counselor, and speaker, Regner is constantly on the move — traveling across the Philippines to help link people living with HIV to immediate care and empowering people when it comes to understanding safer sex. He’s also been a research assistant for one of the Philippines’ largest grassroots HIV test-and-treat centers.
And today, as both a medical student and a social media influencer, Regner provides educational resources for people living with HIV, using health campaigns and videos.
“Social media provides a new platform and method to translate and communicate important topics about health and increasing health literacy. I enjoy sharing key information with my followers, especially as it relates to sexual and reproductive health among at-risk populations in the Philippines.”
Stefano Regner
Kalisito Biaukula | Fiji
Kalisito Biaukula’s motivation to give a voice to the voiceless and speak up for those in need is evidenced by their work across their island nation of Fiji and surrounding regions.
As an intersectional, queer, feminist activist and human rights defender, Biaukula has worked with various civil society organizations addressing intersecting human rights issues for people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, in Asia and the Pacific.
Biaukula is a major advocate for people living with and impacted by HIV, fighting to ensure they receive the proper care and government assistance, and calling for comprehensive sexuality education at all levels.
“It’s important for young people, especially those living in the Asia-Pacific region, to take a leading role in decisions that affect our bodies. We must all use our voices to stand up for human rights and ensure all populations are receiving equal opportunities to access care.”
Kalisito Biaukula
Sara Thapa Magar | Nepal
From a young age, Sara Magar developed an interest in social issues related to women and children living with HIV. This passion eventually led her to advocate for the needs and rights of affected populations living in the Asia-Pacific region.
Magar has been a board member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV Asia & Pacific (ICWAP) and has also spoken publicly about the need to support women-led organizations. In her current role as president of the National Federation of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (NFWLHA) in Nepal, Magar works to tackle gender inequalities and end gender-based violence.
“As youth leaders, we need to continue bringing these issues to the forefront and work to partner with the government and advocacy groups to address the challenges of women and children living with HIV.”
Sara Thapa Magar
The future is in good hands with these young leaders, advocates and activists, and we’re excited to continue to watch the impact they make on their local and global communities. To learn more about this youth-led collaboration, visit the IAS Youth Hub.
We’re accelerating our global efforts and capabilities with our new London Discovery Research Centre and U.K. headquarters
November 10, 2023
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Using the power of leading-edge science to help save and improve lives means tapping into scientific talent around the world. That’s why we’re proud to break ground on our new London Discovery Research Centre and U.K. headquarters.
The high-profile site — located opposite King’s Cross Station in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, an impressive cluster of academic, scientific and technological institutions — will be an impactful addition to our growing network of research facilities.
“Our talented discovery scientists in London are an integral part of our global research network.”
Dean Li President of MSD Research Laboratories
“Patients around the world are waiting for innovations that will help confront the tremendous burden of disease they face, and the kind of world-class scientific exploration this facility will enable is how we accelerate those innovations,” Li added.
Slated to open in 2027, the 270,000-square-foot, 10-story facility will bring together all our U.K. colleagues to help drive medical advances against some of today’s greatest health challenges.
“With the benefit of London’s thriving life sciences ecosystem and Knowledge Quarter right on our doorstep, I’m excited about the collaboration opportunities, building toward an exciting new chapter, and what this represents for employees and our partnership with the local community and beyond,” said Ben Lucas, managing director, U.K. and Ireland.
How you can help slow the threat of antimicrobial resistance
The growing burden of AMR is threatening the return to a world without effective antibiotics
October 31, 2023
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Before antibiotics were discovered in the 20th century, contracting an infection could be fatal. Their discovery was a turning point in human history, revolutionizing medicine and saving countless lives. However, the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is threatening the return to a world without effective antibiotics.
We all have a responsibility to address this threat, and it will take dedicated efforts from all sectors across health care, including patients, to make a difference.
Here are four groups that can play a role in helping slow the threat of AMR:
01.
Patients
Be vigilant in infection prevention efforts and always use antibiotics correctly
We each play an important role in slowing the threat of AMR— starting with preventing infections that require antibiotics in the first place. Washing hands, preparing food hygienically and keeping up to date with vaccinations are all measures to help avoid infections.
Another important action patients can take is using antibiotics only when they’re needed. Always follow health care providers’ (HCPs) directions and never share or take leftover antibiotics, which may not be needed and may cause resistance. If your HCP believes antibiotics are not the correct treatment to help your condition, ask about other options. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed may advance AMR. Bottom line: It is important to follow the guidance that your medical team gives you for treatment.
02.
Health care professionals
Be a source of antibiotic guidance
HCPs and medical systems need to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics. It’s up to the health care providers to help ensure that the right treatment is given based on an accurate diagnosis. Hospitals should have a plan in place, with principles customized to their local needs, to guide the appropriate use of these medicines.
03.
Policymakers
Encourage antimicrobial innovation
We need new antibiotic options to stay ahead of the evolving bacteria. Governments can help. Incentive packages can provide a sustainable return on investment for the development of new antimicrobials. Encouraging innovation would allow companies to invest in the research and development needed. As a result, this would help provide health care professionals around the world with the tools they need to help patients fighting infections.
04.
Industry leaders
Invest in new developments
Finally, the participation of leading biopharmaceutical companies is crucial to addressing the growing threat of AMR.
For more than 100 years, MSD has played a significant role in the discovery and development of novel medicines and vaccines to combat infectious diseases. And, in an effort to affect widespread change, we’ve supported efforts around the world that aim to address AMR through surveillance initiatives, collaborating with hospitals to fund education and implement stewardship programs, and advocating for substantial policy changes.
There is no single solution to the complex problem of AMR; it’s up to all of us to take collective action. We hope you’ll join our efforts and play your individual part to help ensure that patients have access to the antibiotics they need, now and in the future.
Understanding adult pneumonia: causes, symptoms and risk factors
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause serious complications
October 31, 2023
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What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs that can make it difficult to breathe and limit your ability to get sufficient oxygen.
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?
Pneumonia can present differently in people based on a variety of factors, but common symptoms include:
Fever
Wheezing / difficulty breathing
Cough
Chills
Rapid breathing
Chest pains
Confusion
Loss of appetite
Which adults are most at risk?
Anyone can get pneumonia, but older adults are particularly at risk.
Medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, COPD and HIV can also increase risks of pneumonia — even in younger adults.
What can cause pneumonia?
There are two main types of pneumonia — viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia is often caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common infections caused by this bacteria.
How does pneumonia spread?
Viral and bacterial pneumonias are contagious. People who are infected can spread the virus or the bacteria with respiratory droplets in the air when they cough, sneeze or talk. People can occasionally catch pneumonia by touching something that has the virus or bacteria on it and then touching their noses or mouths.
Ask your health care provider for more information.
MSD’s Q3 2023 results reflect sustained growth, particularly in oncology and vaccines. Our company announced Q3 worldwide sales of $16.0 billion, an increase of 7% from Q3 2022.
“Our strong results this quarter reflect our talented team’s commitment to bringing forward important innovation and pursuing breakthroughs for all those who count on us,” said Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer, MSD. “We continue to push the boundaries of science, making disciplined investments to augment our diverse pipeline and applying our expertise to accelerate potentially transformative treatments to address patient needs — including through our recently announced collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. I am proud of our progress as we continue to execute at the highest level and work to generate strong and sustainable value, today and well into the future.”
MSD anticipates full-year 2023 worldwide sales to be between $59.7 billion and $60.2 billion.
Take a look at the infographic below for more details on Q3 2023 results.
Staying positive with pulmonary arterial hypertension
From struggling to breathe to advocating for others, one woman with PAH shares her story
October 24, 2023
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A decade ago, Nola Martin was having trouble breathing, and she was gaining weight. She assumed it was simple: She started to focus on improving her diet and getting more exercise, but she wasn’t seeing results.
“Little did I know the situation was a lot more serious than that,” she said.
Martin was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and scleroderma. PAH is a disease of high blood pressure in the lungs. Her PAH was associated with scleroderma, a connective tissue disease that can affect the skin, blood vessels and organs and can cause PAH.
“I had two illnesses, and I had no idea what they were from. How did I get them? I was hearing all these terms I’d never heard of before.”
Nola Martin
Finding the right care
Martin said that the confusion and complexity of having two chronic diseases made the beginning of her journey the most challenging. Through her experience with PAH, she said she learned that “you must find a facility that is familiar with your disease.” She recommends the Pulmonary Hypertension Association as a great place to start learning about PAH.
While she knows her PAH is progressive, she chooses to stay positive.
“What I learned about advocating for myself with PAH is that no one is going to fight as hard for me as I will,” said Martin. “I know my body. I know when something is different, but I also know that my doctors are not mind readers. If I don’t share with them what is going on, including the smallest details, they can’t give me the proper treatment I need.”
Staying hopeful through connection
It’s important to Martin to connect with other PAH patients and educate people about the disease.
Since her diagnosis, she’s educated numerous people about PAH and scleroderma. She believes in the importance of raising awareness and telling her story. It’s sometimes hard for her to explain to people that even if she doesn’t appear sick, she may still be dealing with difficult symptoms.
“PAH has affected so much of my daily life — simple things like vacuuming, doing the laundry, taking a shower and going to the grocery store,” Martin said. “I encourage others to be understanding and avoid making assumptions about a person with PAH based on their outward appearance.”
She urges people to be supportive and listen when someone shares their story.
A physician committed to advancing pneumococcal disease research
Dr. Kristen Feemster and her team work to help address pneumococcal disease for people of all ages
October 20, 2023
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Before becoming an executive director of global medical affairs at MSD, Dr. Kristen Feemster practiced as a pediatric infectious disease physician. Early in her career, Feemster and her team cared for a 1-year-old patient suffering from pneumococcal meningitis. Sadly, the child succumbed to his illness. Feemster recalls the emotions she felt knowing her own son of about the same age could also be at risk.
“I could barely stay in the room to talk to the child’s parents. As a parent myself, seeing them go through such a devastating loss led me to ask why this happened and what could have prevented the outcome,” said Feemster.
“I was determined to do what I could to help protect people of all ages from pneumococcal disease and its impact.”
At MSD, Feemster and her team work to better understand and communicate the continued epidemiologic impact of pneumococcal disease across all stages of life.
“Knowing that pneumococcal disease remains a leading cause of illness and death globally, I’m inspired by the opportunity to help address challenging and emerging diseases,” she said.
While some factors, like age or underlying medical conditions, can increase the risk of contracting an infection, anyone can get pneumococcal disease.
Noninvasive pneumococcal disease, such as otitis media or pneumonia, are also important contributors to morbidity in children. Recent reports suggest IPD remains a concern and certain serotypes continue to emerge as prevalent causes of serious disease with sometimes life-threatening complications.
Feemster and her MSD colleagues remain committed to addressing pneumococcal disease in people of all ages.
“Too many people worldwide don’t have access to effective treatment and supportive care,” she said. “It’s important that we continue to improve surveillance capabilities and explore this bacterium with such a complex epidemiology. We have learned a great deal, but there is so much left to understand and more that we can do.”
A colleague transformed personal grief and tragedy into a lifelong mission to help persons living with HIV
October 17, 2023
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Richard Liu’s work in HIV began in 1988, and it’s continued to this day.
“At the time, many members of the community were not only scared and frightened about HIV, but many of them were suffering from either the disease itself or the discrimination and bias directed toward them,” Liu said. “For me, education and outreach was a way to feel empowered and to empower members of my community.”
He also experienced firsthand how devastating HIV could be, falling in love with a man he’d eventually lose to AIDS.
“I found my strength when I looked back and thought about all the situations that Scott and I faced, I learned I was stronger than I ever believed I was,” Liu said. “And I kind of knew after that I needed to do something more. My purpose at that time was loving and caring for him until the end, and I needed to find another purpose. And that purpose became fighting HIV.”
Liu followed that purpose into a role as one of Philadelphia’s youngest HIV program directors, focusing on promoting prevention, testing and care. His passion eventually brought him to MSD, where he is a member of our global marketing division assigned to the HIV franchise, leading the development of promotional content for health care providers.
“I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do: be useful, be valuable and use what I can to fight HIV. And I've been given this incredible role at this company to do that.”
— Richard Liu
As a part of the MSD team, Liu, now happily married, has always felt he could bring his authentic self to work — and that feeling started during his interview with a recruiter. There were some moments in his personal history during his earlier work as an AIDS activist that he knew he’d have to explain.
“I wanted to disclose my arrest record because I thought it might come up in a background check,” Liu explained. “I was charged with obstruction of highway because I was participating in AIDS protests, so I wanted to be clear why I was arrested and given those charges.”
The instinct to be candid was a good one, he learned. “When I was offered the job, I really felt like, wow, this company is willing to recognize my authentic self, including my activism.”
Liu’s estimation of MSD and our values — and the part he can play in the work we do for patients — hasn’t changed.
“I feel like my fight against HIV is perfectly aligned with our company’s commitment toward innovation and to persons living with HIV,” he said.
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