Stomach cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. And stomach cancer is one of them. It is also in the list of diseases responsible for mortality in Bangladesh. Therefore, to prevent this cancer in the early stages, it is necessary to have enough knowledge about its symptoms.
Because stomach cancer is very dangerous. But the hope is that complications can be avoided if the disease is detected at an early stage and the necessary treatment is taken. This means that although cancer cannot be completely prevented, if we know the risk factors, we will be able to be aware. As a result, I will be able to protect myself from the risk to some extent. So read the full post Stomach Cancer Symptoms and Remedies today.
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer or gastric cancer is a cancer that develops from the lining of the stomach. Basically, it occurs when the cells lining the stomach begin to multiply uncontrollably and form a tumor. These tumors in turn invade normal tissue and spread cancer cells to other parts of the body.
Cancer is usually described by the type of cell from which it originates. Among all types of cancer, about 90% of gastric cancers arise from the lining of the stomach, called adenocarcinoma.
Other cancers that arise in the stomach include gastrointestinal stromal tumors, lymphomas, and carcinoid tumors. Stomach cancer develops over many years and because it is caught late, it often goes unnoticed.
Why is stomach cancer?
There are many causes of stomach cancer. However, one of these is irregular eating habits and lifestyle, eating less fresh fruits and vegetables without chemicals, eating more processed food, salted food, smoked meat or pickled food.
If someone has Helicobacter pylori infection, nitrites or familial polyposis, or Lynch syndrome, their risk of developing stomach cancer is greatly increased.
Additionally, smoking, drinking and excess body fat also increase the risk of cancer.
Who is more likely to have stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer usually affects older people and is more common in men than women.
Also, since this type of cancer is usually difficult to treat, referral to the best hospital for stomach cancer treatment is recommended.
As a cautionary note, do not be lured by dubious claims or unverified credentials of clinics and hospitals, as a wrong treatment or diagnosis can cost you a precious life.
If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of stomach cancer, schedule an appointment at American Institute of Oncology, the best hospital for stomach cancer in India.
What causes stomach cancer?
Causes- Stomach acts as a reservoir where food is stored and partially digested after eating and swallowing. It is responsible for digesting food and moving nutrients into the small and large intestines.
Stomach or stomach cancer begins when healthy cells in the upper digestive tract become cancerous and grow out of control, causing tumors to form.
Stomach cancer symptoms
1. Less hungry
2. Losing weight (despite not trying)
3. Abdominal pain
4. No explanation above the navel but discomfort
5. Feeling of fullness after eating little food.
6. Throat burning
7. Indigestion
8. Nausea
9. Vomiting (with or without blood)
10. Blood with stool
11. Decreased red blood cell count
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer usually does not show any symptoms in the early stages. And even if there are any symptoms, they tend to be very common due to which people do not pay much attention to these symptoms or signs. Some of the symptoms include-
Symptoms of this disease include loss of appetite, sore throat, nausea, indigestion, black stool acidity, weight loss and abdominal pain.
Apart from this, one of the symptoms that appear in the advanced stage is jaundice. And then the cancer can spread to other parts of the body in malignant form. Sometimes stomach cancer spreads to the liver, lungs and brain.
Although stomach cancer takes many years to develop, pre-cancerous changes often occur in the inner lining (mucosa) of the stomach. These early changes rarely cause noticeable symptoms and therefore go undetected.
Among the known causes, environmental factors seem to be related to the intestinal type of gastric cancer. Also, it appears that those with blood type A have an increased risk of gastric cancer for unknown reasons.
Certain changes in DNA can cause normal stomach cells to grow abnormally and develop cancer. DNA is the chemical in cells that carries our genes and controls how these cells work.
Inherited mutations in certain genes can also increase a person's risk of stomach cancer. Although these are thought to cause a small percentage of stomach cancers.
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is an inherited genetic abnormality associated with an increased risk of developing gastric cancer.
Most of the genetic changes that cause stomach cancer occur after birth. These risk factors include:
Gastric cancer infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori associated with gastric ulcers and chronic atrophic gastritis, which H. pylori infection may explain the higher incidence of gastric cancer.
Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease in which the stomach does not produce stomach acid, has also been linked to gastric cancer.
Another type of gastric cancer – gastroesophageal junction cancer – is associated with having gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition caused by frequent backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
When to worry about stomach cancer?
As mentioned earlier, early stage stomach cancer is difficult to diagnose as early changes rarely cause any symptoms and hence go undetected.
Indigestion and abdominal discomfort can be early cancer symptoms, but other worrisome signs can include such as:
Abdominal gastrointestinal pain, unexpected weight loss or loss of appetite, fatigue
What are the risk factors for stomach or stomach cancer?
Risk factors for gastric cancer include:
1. H pylori infection; A common, treatable bacterial infection
2. Stomach inflammation
3. Men over 65 years
4. Eat lots of salty, smoked foods
5. Smoking cigarettes
6. Obesity
7. Family history of stomach cancer
Is stomach cancer curable?
Unfortunately, since stomach cancer is often not detected at an early stage, many cases of stomach cancer cannot be completely cured. However, using various treatment methods like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, etc., the quality of life can definitely be improved.
Like all malignancies, stomach cancer is usually most treatable when it is found early, before the cancer has spread to other organs such as the lungs, liver, and bones. If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs, the patient's outlook is not as good.
Ways to keep the stomach good - what to eat to avoid stomach cancer? –
Smoked food, fish with too much salt, pickles cause stomach cancer. Dirty food, food that has been left open for a long time, stale food contains nitrates and nitrites. The chemical changes that occur when this substance enters the body are very harmful to cells and are responsible for cancer. Eating less red meat and keeping weight under control is very important. There is no alternative to eating fresh food, green vegetables, low oil-spiced food, low salt normal food to keep the stomach healthy.
Some common advice for cancer patients
1. Try to eat as much as possible.
2. Eat plenty of fluids.
3. Drink less fluid between meals.
4. Drink plenty of water 30 minutes before or after meals.
5. If you don't like the smell of food or drink, don't take it.
6. Always keep your mouth clean.
Stomach cancer warning
Stomach cancer affects men more than women. In cases of this disease, the prevalence is especially high in people over the age of fifty. However, it is believed that the incidence of this cancer is increasing day by day not only among the elderly, but also among the young. Women are less in comparison but they are not exception. According to doctors, unhygienic lifestyle and eating habits are one of the main causes of stomach cancer. So be careful today. If acidity has been present for many years or suddenly becomes very excessive, be alert immediately. Raise awareness among everyone in the family.
