Understanding Stomach Cancer: Common Causes and Risk Factors

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a complicated health condition. Stomach cancer symptoms often go undetected or misunderstood with other problems. Unfortunately, this complication causes a higher mortality rate. However, with a timely detection and proactive approach, managing the symptoms and overcoming the issue is possible.

What exactly is the cause of Stomach Cancer?

There can be multiple Causes of stomach cancer. Knowing the right cause is essential for the proper treatment approach. Some of the common factors are:

Helicobacter pylori Infection

It is one of the primary reasons for the growth of stomach cancer. This bacteria affects the stomach lining and causes inflammation. It can cause cancer in the long run. Its treatment is only antibiotics and antacids.

Dietary Factors

One’s diet also has a unique role to play as far as stomach cancer is concerned. Salted food, smoked or pickled food products, etc., increase the risk. These foods contain harmful chemicals that erode the lining of the stomach. Additionally, an individual's diet must contain fruits and vegetables. These foods contain several nutrients and antioxidants that help fight against cancer cells. Hence, fresh fruits and vegetables can significantly help lower the risk of stomach cancer.

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors can also cause stomach cancer. People whose family members have had stomach cancer earlier are prone to this disease. Due to genetic factors, some germ-line mutations make an individual susceptible to stomach cancer. Concerning family medical history, a person, alongside the doctors, can define the probability of getting a specific inherited disease after passing a genetic test.

Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer

Various risk factors are associated with the development of stomach cancer in individuals. Individuals must avoid such risk factors to keep away the tumour.

Age and Gender

Stomach cancer is mainly seen occurring in people above 50 years of age. Also, the rate of this kind of cancer is high in men as compared to women. However, the actual cause of this disparity is still a mystery.

Lifestyle Factors

There are also perceived lifestyle behavioural risk factors for stomach cancer. Smoking brings toxic substances into the body that may injure the stomach’s lining. They also become irritated by increased amounts of alcohol that cause harm to the stomach lining, thus heightening the probability of cancer. However, the risk can be minimised by avoiding such habits.

Chronic Conditions

Having a history of stomach surgery and other chronic medical conditions is also stomach cancer. Peptic ulcers may bring about tissue changes that may develop into cancers. This is done in such a manner that is conducive to cancer formation.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to chemicals or radiation is also linked with stomach cancer. Those who work in industries are more likely to have been affected by stomach cancer. Hence, they must be sure to keep themselves away from hazardous materials to avoid this disease.

How can stomach cancer be prevented and detected early?

People must follow specific methods to keep themselves away from this health issue:

Lifestyle Change and Diet

Risks of stomach cancer can be reduced by modifying one’s diet and having a few lifestyle modifications. Consuming foods high in fibre also reduces the chance of having stomach cancer. Besides, refraining from smoking and consuming alcohol can also lower the risks of stomach cancer.

Screening and Regular Check-ups

It is also important to identify stomach cancer at an early stage to increase the probability of effective treatments. Annual mammograms are very important for women above the age of 40 or those with risk factors, including family history. A common screening technique is endoscopy, which helps detect H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

Although the problem of stomach cancer has increased, with a suitable treatment facility, it is easier to cure the same. It has a multifactorial aetiology, and risk factors include H. pylori infection, diet, genetics, and environmental toxins. There are also different risks that, if managed through proper lifestyle choices, can reduce the occurrence of the ailment. Hence, early detection and sufficient intervention are required so that the general public always goes for screening and consultancy from health facilities from time to time.

With world-class treatment facilities and equipment, BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital offers personalised care to deal with the causes of stomach cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary risk factor behind the development of stomach cancer?

Changes in the lining of the stomach mainly cause stomach cancer. This can be caused by factors like infection as well as having a history of stomach cancer in the family.

2. What measures can be taken to minimise the chances of contracting stomach cancer?

The following measures can be taken to cure stomach cancer:

• Follow a diet
• Limit your food intake
• Quit smoking
• Quite salted food
• Sleep well
• Lose weight
• Go for checkups

3. What is the first sign of stomach cancer?

Early symptoms of stomach cancer may include:

• Stomachache or pains or any kind of burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Bloating after meals.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.

4. Is stomach cancer hereditary?

All kinds of cancer are said to be hereditary, including stomach cancer. There are instances where an individual suffering from this kind of cancer has a family history of stomach cancer. Hence, if your close ones have this disease and you, too, notice symptoms, immediately contact the doctor.

5. Can stomach cancer be detected during its early stage?

Yes, early detection of stomach cancer is possible, but this is complicated. One of the most effective ways to find out is through endoscopy.

6. Which is the best treatment for stomach cancer?

The treatment of stomach cancer depends on several factors. For stage one, it may require surgery, and for the later stages of cancer, other treatments may be necessary as well.

7. Which doctor treats stomach cancer?

At the initial stage, it is treated by a gastroenterologist. Later, a stomach oncologist or other specialist might look after it.