Are You At Risk Of Stomach Cancer? Gastroenterologist Answers

What is stomach cancer

Gastric cancer or stomach cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the world and the 3rd most lethal due to its late diagnosis. It happens when abnormal cells in the stomach lining begin to develop out of control, resulting in the development of a tumour. The cancer will begin to develop in the innermost layer of the stomach wall, the mucosa, and spread outwards as time goes on. If left unchecked, it spreads to other areas of the body, most often through the lymphatic system, says the gastroenterologistin Nashik.

Who is at risk

Stomach cancer is related to lifestyle factors in the vast majority of cases, explaining why it rarely affects young people. Men are twice as likely to acquire the disorder as women, with 95 percent of cases occurring in those over 55, but lifestyle decisions often play a big role:

· Smoking: Inhaled smoke can end up in the stomach, causing damage to the stomach cells. According to the best gastrointestinal cancer specialist in Nashik, smokers are twice as likely to develop the disease.

· Diet: Stomach cancer is more common in countries with a diet high in pickled vegetables, salted fish, and smoked meats. If this sounds like you, consider your fibre intake and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. High salt consumption, according to Cancer Research UK, is a hazardous risk factor for stomach cancer. If you find you're consuming more than the recommended 6g of salt a day (roughly a teaspoon), consider cutting back.

· History of cancer in the family: It's unclear if this is due to shared lifestyles or genetics.

· Those who have had cancer before: Previous cancer patients, unfortunately, have a higher chance of contracting the disease.

· Certain medical problems: Patients with pernicious anaemia (B12 deficiency) and those with peptic ulcers or helicobacter pylori infections are examples.

Conclusion

Although there is no sure-fire way to avoid stomach cancer, there are measures you may take to reduce the risk.

The top gastroenterologist in Nashik says that being overweight or obese raises your risk of certain types of stomach cancer, so achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help. Regular physical activity can also aid in the prevention of stomach cancer. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is also thought to reduce the risk of stomach cancer.