Stomach cancer or gastric cancer is a challenging disease. Though a serious health concern, it is a battle that can be fought and won. While it is a common type of cancer, particularly in certain parts of the world, understanding its causes and risk factors is the first step towards prevention and early detection.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer starts in the cells which line the stomach. It has been reported to be the fifth most common cancer in the world with an incidence of about one million new cases. The cases of stomach cancer are observed twice as many times in males than in females.
Stomach cancer is classified in the following two subsites, which differ in their patterns and symptoms:
- Cardia stomach cancer which arises from the upper stomach
- Noncardia stomach cancer which arises from the other parts of the stomach
What are the Causes of Stomach Cancer?
A variety of factors contribute to the development of stomach cancer. Some of these are explained in detail below.
Hereditary and Genetic Factors
Genetic factors are also reported to play a role in the development of stomach cancer. They affect the inflammatory and immune response of the body thus altering the body’s susceptibility to stomach cancer. An individual with a family history of stomach cancer has a higher chance of getting stomach cancer.
People with a family history of stomach cancer are more likely to get it themselves. This is especially true if:
- Two or more close relatives (parents, siblings, children) have had stomach cancer
- At least one of these relatives was diagnosed before the age of 50 years
- Three or more close relatives have had stomach cancer, regardless of age
Helicobacter pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been identified as the main risk factor for stomach cancer. The bacteria may spread from one person to another via direct contact with saliva, vomit, or stool. People with H. pylori infection may not have noticeable symptoms initially but some of them may develop stomach ulcers or inflammation of the stomach.
Dietary Related Factors
If your intake of salted foods is more, then you are at a higher risk of H. pylori infection. Infection with H. pylori increases its capability to promote the development of stomach cancer. High-salt foods, such as miso soup, pickled vegetables, dried fish, and salted fish, also increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Grilled and barbecued meats, processed smoked salted meat, red meat salt-preserved foods, and smoked foods may enhance the progression of stomach cancer.
Roles of Smoking and Alcohol Habits
Among environmental factors, a variety of habits play important roles in stomach cancer development. Smoking and alcohol consumption are also proven to be major risk factors contributing to the development of stomach cancer.
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Besides H. pylori, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has also been associated with stomach cancer. EBV is a universal infectious agent with a prevalence in over 90% of adults.
Other risk factors, including positive family history, radiation exposure, older age, male sex, lack of physical activity, and low socioeconomic status, have also been associated with increased risk of stomach cancer. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity have also been related to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Understanding these factors empowers individuals to make informed choices and take preventive measures to reduce their risk of developing stomach cancer.
How to Prevent Stomach Cancer?
To prevent stomach cancer, strategies aimed at reducing the incidences and mortality are required. This is particularly true in populations with a high burden of stomach cancer.
The prevention strategies include the following:
Increased Intake of Vegetables and Fruits
Sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables can protect you against stomach cancer. You should consume seasonal vegetables and fruits to minimize microbial and fungal contamination and reduce the dependency on salted, pickled, and smoked foods. Prefer a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains over processed meats, refined grains, and high-fat products.
Eradication of H. pylori
Since H. pylori infection is the main cause of stomach cancer, its eradication is a reasonable strategy for the prevention of stomach cancer.
Alteration of Lifestyle
You should quit smoking to stop the development of stomach cancer. You may also follow other lifestyle modifications such as decreased alcohol intake, increased fruit and vegetable intake, reduced salt intake, and increased physical activity. These activities may also help reduce the risk of getting stomach cancer.
Improvements in food preservation, such as the shift from smoking and salting to refrigeration, have been reported to reduce reliance on preserved foods and to lower exposure to carcinogens like nitrosamines.
Endoscopy Screening
A key strategy for preventing stomach cancer is early diagnosis and treatment. Endoscopy is the best approach for detecting stomach cancer and is widely used for screening.
Reducing exposure to risk factors, screening, and early detection are currently the most effective ways to prevent stomach cancer.
Conclusion
While developed countries have seen a decline in stomach cancer cases, it remains a significant health concern, particularly in developing nations, with high mortality rates. Eradicating H. pylori infection, especially in high-risk groups, is a primary strategy for prevention. Additionally, adopting healthier lifestyles and dietary habits can further reduce the risk. For secondary prevention, reliable screening methods are crucial to identify early-stage stomach cancer. Endoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and personalized treatment.
FAQs
What are the first warning signs of stomach cancer?
Early warning signs of stomach cancer include persistent indigestion, unexplained weight loss, feeling full quickly, and blood in stool or vomit.
Who mostly gets stomach cancer?
Older adults, especially those over 65, are more likely to get stomach cancer.
What is the common cause of stomach cancer?
A common cause of stomach cancer is a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Is stomach cancer painful?
Stomach cancer itself may not always cause pain, but related conditions like ulcers or inflammation can be painful.
Is stomach cancer curable?
Stomach cancer can be cured if it’s caught early and treated properly. However, it’s often difficult to detect in its early stages.
Does stomach cancer cause death?
Yes, stomach cancer can cause death if it’s not diagnosed and treated in time.