Why does Stomach Cancer occur and what are the signs and symptoms?

Stomach cancer or gastric cancer is cancer caused by abnormal cell build-up in the inner lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer and the third most common cancer-causing death. Ninety-five percent of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which is the cancer of the cell the most superficial surface of the inner lining of the stomach that produces mucus.

The cases of stomach cancer have decreased significantly these days. Earlier people used to consume lots of salt and pickled food as there was no refrigeration facility. Consumption of excessive salt increases the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Symptoms:

The symptoms include early symptoms and late symptoms:

Early symptoms:

• Constant feeling of being tired or fatigue
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal fullness
• Indigestion

Late symptoms:

• Loss of weight
• The yellowish coloration of the skin and the eyes.
• Difficulty in swallowing food.
• Blackish or coffee ground brown color because of digested blood in the stool.
• Bloated feeling, even after meals.
• Persistent nausea and vomiting.

Causes:

The exact cause is still not known, however, infection from Helicobacter pylori is often associated as a causative factor.

Risk factors:

The following factors are considered to increase the risks

• Smoking tobacco
• Being overweight or obese
• Family history of stomach cancer
• History of cancer
• Consumption of food that has high salt content.
• History of surgery for peptic ulcer
• People with type A blood group
• People working in metal, rubber or timber factories are at higher risk.
• People with exposure to asbestos
• People who have a history of infection of Epstein- Barr virus.
• People having pernicious anemia, or diabetes are at higher risk.
• People having chronic atrophic gastritis, menetrier disease or intestinal metaplasia are at higher risk.
• Stomach polyp
• Chronic inflammation of the stomach
• People who take less of fruit and vegetables in their diet.
• Older adults are at higher risk.
• Men in comparison to women are at a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.
• People having gastrointestinal reflux disease are at higher risk.

Complications:

The associated complications are:

• Malnourishment
• Bowel obstruction
• Malabsorption
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Metastasis of cancer to other body parts.

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Lifestyle changes to prevent the disease:

• Try to include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Avoid smoking tobacco
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce salt intake in food.
• Manage weight and sugar levels.
• Avoid fatty and processed meat and dairy products.
• Include fruits, mushrooms, soybeans, garlic and green onion in the diet.
• Get treatment for stomach infection.
• Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

 

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