Oftentimes, gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating and abdominal pain are not significant while affecting millions of individuals. However, if symptoms persist on a regular basis, it should not be ignored. Dr. Nicholas Trikalinos, a medical oncologist at Washington University's Siteman Cancer Center, tells us, "It is very common for people to have stomach problems, but it is important to listen to your body and take note of bowel habits that have changed over time and are persistent." "If this occurs, consult your physician."
While occurrences of stomach cancer are decreasing, the disease continues to affect well over 20,000 people annually, with an estimated 11,000 fatalities. Nevertheless, there are measures to reduce the danger. Dr. Trikalinos explains, "While cancer can occur randomly, there are activities you can do to reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer in the future. Smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing excessively processed, salted, and smoked meals can make a difference."
According to Yale Medicine, "experts credit improved food refrigeration and fewer Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infections for the steady decline in U.S. rates." It is crucial to highlight, however, that stomach cancer is still prevalent in other regions of the world, particularly East Asia." As with many cancers, early detection is crucial and enhances the survival probability; therefore, understanding the symptoms could save your life. Consume This, Not That! Experts spoke with Health about stomach cancer and the warning signals to watch for. Please consult your physician for medical advice at all times.
How to Understand Stomach Cancer
According to Dr. Foster Lasley, a radiation oncologist at GenesisCare, stomach cancer cases have steadily decreased over the previous century, and currently only account for approximately 1.5% of all cancer cases. An estimated 27,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, placing it significantly below other kinds of cancer such as breast cancer. However, stomach cancer remains a threat to individuals who have been diagnosed, making early detection and good treatment equally crucial.
Therefore, the task is to continue educating them about the symptoms of stomach cancer. Due to the rarity of stomach cancer, many fail to recognize its early signs, such inexplicable dyspepsia, anemia, and associated lethargy, as serious problems. Undiagnosed and mistreated, this may contribute to the cancer's progression. This is never an ideal situation for patients, which is why it is essential to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms."
According to Dr. Trikalinos, stomach cancer (or gastric cancer) is not uncommon. It used to be the leading cause of cancer before lung cancer grabbed the lead. Compared to North America, it is more prevalent in Eastern Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. About 22,000 people are diagnosed annually in the United States. The number of individuals being diagnosed is decreasing over time, and those who have this disease are surviving longer."
Intestinal Cancer Symptoms
Dr. Lasley notes, "Esophagus cancer can be difficult to diagnose due to the fact that early stages of the disease often do not present many odd symptoms. The absence of routine testing for stomach cancer is another aspect that makes it difficult to detect the disease early. Consequently, the cancer is often not detected until it has spread beyond the stomach.
Dr. Trikalinos says, "Since the stomach aids in the digestion of food and subsequently propels it into the intestines, any tumor that arises there can impede this process. People can lose significant amounts of weight, for instance, if they feel full quickly, experience nausea, or have difficulty swallowing. Pain is not a typical indication of stomach cancer, at least not in its early stages. Occasionally, even small stomach cancers might bleed for some time before being detected. This blood is difficult to detect in the feces because it has been partially digested, but these people can be detected since their blood levels are low. A large number of people will have occasional gastrointestinal distress. However, persistent changes in your digestive habits warrant a visit to your health care physician."
Modifiable Factors of Risk
According to Dr. Lasley, the most important modifiable risk factors that individuals can incorporate in their daily lives today are: avoiding or quitting smoking totally, consuming a good diet, and working to remain fit and avoid obesity. Age, gender, and family history are other risk factors that cannot be modified.
Dr. Trikalinos states, "Sometimes stomach cancer occurs randomly or in families with inherited genetic issues." There is no way to prevent this, but if a family member has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, you should inform your doctor. Fortunately, there are additional modifiable risk factors that can reduce the likelihood of developing stomach cancer. For instance, we know that chronic inflammation of the stomach caused by an infection (such as H. pylori) or an immunological condition (such as atrophic gastritis) might increase the risk of developing gastric cancer. Treating this inflammation may reduce the likelihood of developing cancer in the future. You can reduce your risk by avoiding smoking and meals rich in salt, eating more fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight."
The Relationship Between H Pylori and Stomach Cancer
Dr. Lasley explains, "H Pylori is a common bacteria found in 30–40% of the population that can cause stomach inflammation and ulcers. It is believed that this chronic inflammation increases the likelihood that cells in the stomach lining will become malignant, however not everyone with this bacteria develops cancer. Nevertheless, H Pylori is implicated as one of the leading causes of one of the two major types of stomach cancer: non-cardia gastric cancer. Modern science has made it possible to test for and treat H Pylori with antibiotics, increasing the possibility that patients may experience a favorable outcome. However, if a H Pylori infection is detected, rapid treatment is advised."
Dr. Trikalinos states, "H. pylori is a bacteria that, amazingly, can survive in a very acidic stomach environment; it took us many years to understand this. Typically, it might result in gastritis, inflammation, and pain. However, studies have shown that infection and inflammation can raise the risk of early and advanced cancer in some people, therefore it is reasonable to treat infections as soon as they are discovered.
How smoking and diet contribute to the development of stomach cancer
According to Dr. Lasley, "researchers have shown that a regular diet of foods heavy in salt can raise the risk of developing stomach cancer. Physicians advise avoiding overeating, particularly of foods preserved by drying, smoking, salting, and pickling, or those that are high in added salts. As with many other types of cancer, smoking is a significant risk factor for stomach cancer. Most tobacco products contain a variety of carcinogens that spread not only to the lungs but also to the esophagus and upper stomach. The most recent research predicts that smokers are twice as likely as nonsmokers to acquire stomach cancer."
According to Dr. Trikalinos, up to fifty percent of all stomach cancers may be influenced by smoking and lifestyle factors. Tobacco products include carcinogens that can raise the chance of developing numerous types of cancer. Studies have indicated that smoking increases the risk of stomach cancer, and that the risk lowers after quitting, although it may take years. Intriguingly, smoked meals have also been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Other culprits include foods that are heavy in salt or preserved with salt. We suspect that certain meals can irritate and damage the stomach lining, hence increasing its susceptibility to cancer."