Gastric cancer is a cancer that begins in the stomach. It is the world’s fifth most frequent cancer and the third major cause of cancer mortality. Although gastric cancer is most frequent in East Asia, it can affect people of various races and ethnicities.
Although the actual etiology of stomach cancer is unknown, several risk factors might raise your chances of having the disease. These are some of the risk factors:
Gastric cancer is widespread in older adults.
Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop gastric cancer.
Diet: Eating a lot of processed meat and not enough fruits and vegetables might raise your chance of getting stomach cancer.
Chronic stomach inflammation: Conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers might raise your chance of developing gastric cancer.
Gastric cancer in the family: If you have a family history of the disease, your chances of having it are increased.
Early signs of stomach cancer can be vague and generic, and they might be confused with symptoms of other, less dangerous illnesses. The following are some of the most prevalent early signs of stomach cancer:
Constant indigestion
Heartburn
Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
Feeling satiated after consuming tiny amounts of food
Nausea
Vomiting
Unintentional weight reduction
Anemia (low hemoglobin levels)
If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor to rule out stomach cancer and other dangerous illnesses.
Gastric cancer may induce more specific symptoms in later stages, such as:
Having difficulty swallowing
The vomit was red.
Stools in dark colors
Swelling or fluid accumulation in the abdomen
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin
Jaundice (skin and eye yellowing)
If you have any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Gastric cancer is most frequent in older people, although it can strike anybody at any age. People who have persistent stomach inflammation, such as gastritis or peptic ulcers, are at an increased risk of developing gastric cancer. Other gastric cancer risk factors include:
Smoking
A diet heavy on processed meats and light on fruits and vegetables
A history of stomach cancer in the family
Obesity
Obesity is a significant problem in today’s culture, with an increasing number of persons diagnosed with the illness each year. Obesity is a paramount health concern that can lead to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Gastric cancer, often known as stomach cancer, is one kind of cancer that is strongly associated with obesity.
Obesity may increase your chances of acquiring stomach cancer. This is because obesity can promote stomach inflammation, which can damage the stomach lining and raise the risk of cancer. Obesity can also result in other disorders that raise the risk of gastric cancer, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus.
Risk and Early Detection
If you are at high risk for stomach cancer, you should discuss screening testing with your doctor. These tests can aid in the early detection of stomach cancer when it is most curable. Endoscopy is a frequent screening procedure that utilizes a thin, flexible tube with a camera to inspect the stomach’s interior. A gastric biopsy is another test that includes collecting a tiny sample of tissue from the stomach to search for cancer symptoms.
While screening tests can support the early detection of stomach cancer, they have limitations. If you have symptoms like stomach discomfort, nausea, or unexplained weight loss, you should immediately consult your doctor. Early identification and treatment of stomach cancer can significantly enhance your chances of recovery.
If you are worried about stomach cancer, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine how to stay healthy and what risks you face.
