How To Minimize The Risk Of Gastric Cancer? – Stomach cancer is the second most typical cause of cancer-related deaths in Indian women and men. Males are affected more than Females. In India southern part has a high incidence when compared to other areas. The stomach is a thick muscular bag which receives food through the oesophagus. The food is mixed with acid, mucus and some enzymes made into a thick paste and is pushed down into the small intestine for further digestion. Only 1 in 5 – 6 stomach cancers are detected early. Dr K Sreekanth, Sr. Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, shares 12 risk factors of gastric cancer.
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RISK FACTORS OR CAUSES OF GASTRIC CANCER
- Previously underwent stomach surgery for an ulcer 15 25 years ago. This procedure caused the stomach’s acid production to decrease, which allowed the bacteria that produce nitrite to flourish.
- Consumption of highly salted, smoked, and pickled foods is carcinogenic due to nitrates and nitrites.
- Pernicious Anemia Anemia because of Vitamin B12 deficiency due to a lack of intrinsic factors
- Long-term infection with Helicobacter Pylori – Chronic Atrophic gastritis
- Long-term stomach inflammation due to any cause
- Diets low in fruits and vegetables
- Family history of gastric cancer
- Obesity and overweight
- Type ‘A’ blood group
- Alcohol intake
- Gastric polyps
- Smoking
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF GASTRIC CANCER
- Early gastric rarely cause symptoms, which is why gastric cancer is detected in advanced stages.
- The most common early symptom that should raise suspicion is “early satiety”, i.e. Sensation of fullness with a small number of foods in the upper abdomen.
- Anaemia and weakness with exhaustion even after small work.
- Vague discomfort in the upper abdomen above the navel.
- Nausea, vomiting with or without blood.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Heartburn, indigestion.
- Blood in the stool.
- Decreased appetite.
- Abdomen swelling due to fluid – which happens in an advanced stage.
When the above symptoms persist for a longer time, for more than three weeks, then you should immediately consult a specialist for investigations to be done.
Measures To Decrease The Risk Factors Of Gastric Cancer
- Reduce your consumption of pickles and smoked foods like kebabs and smoked fish, which are popular in Andhra Pradesh’s interior.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking since they can both harm the stomach mucosa, especially if a person is hooked to them both.
- Those who had Gastrojerenostomy & Vagotomy Surgery 15-25 years back should get surveillance endoscopies once a year.
- Those with a strong family history of gastric cancer should get a gastroscopy once a year from age 40.
- Take two portions of vegetables, fruits and greens every day.
- Exercise regularly to keep the body weight within limits. Home
