Gastric Cancer

The stomach plays a hugely vital role in our body. It is the organ to our digestion. It’s main function is to break down the foods we eat in order for it to be distributed and then absorbed to the different organs of our body. The stomach is attached to the lower end of our esophagus (a tube that is connected to the throat at its upper end). Above the stomach lies the diaphragm and beneath it the pancreas.

One of the diseases involving the stomach is gastric cancer. This kind of disease is more common in men than in women and is often seen in individuals aged 50 years and above. However, it is believed that stomach cancer is caused by an infection by helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and dietary patterns.

How do I know if I have Gastric Cancer?

Gastric cancer at an early stage is very hard to diagnose. Initial symptoms are usually very general and tricky. But in most cases, symptoms would appear only when the condition is already advanced and have already made some serious damages. These are the symptoms that you may experience when you have stomach cancer.

• Anorexia or Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing or dysphagia which increases over time
• Vague abdominal fullness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Presence of blood in vomit
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive belching
• Breath odor
• Excessive gas (flatus)
• Unintentional weight loss
• A general decline in health
• Premature abdominal fullness after meals

Am I at risk for stomach cancer?

• FAMILY HISTORY
Individuals who have family members diagnosed with gastric cancer are at greater risk for developing the disease.

• SEX
Men are more likely to develop stomach cancer more than women.

• AGE
People who are 50 years and above pose a greater risk for the disease.

• SMOKING
Smokers pose a immense risk of acquiring the disease than non-smokers.

• DIET
The kinds of foods you eat will greatly help you determine your risk for gastric cancer. Diet high in foods preserved by smoking, salting or pickling increases your risk of stomach cancer. Eating processed meats, bacon and ham is also a risk factor.

• TYPE A BLOOD
It is discussed and debated by many experts that individuals with Type A Blood are more prone to gastric cancer.

• YOUR COUNTRY
Stomach cancer have been observed to be more prevalent in some countries especially Japan, Korea, parts of Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

• OBESITY
How can I prevent stomach cancer from developing?

• Establish a healthy diet for your stomach

One must eat an ample amount of fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain Vitamin C and beta carotene. Pick dark, green leafy vegetables. Fruits such as strawberries and red bell pepper are believed to protect out stomach from cancer. On the other hand, you should limit foods that are smoked pickled and heavily salted. You should also avoid eating too much red meat.

• Avoid nitrates and Nitrites

These substances are usually found in processed meats such as bologna, salami and corned beef. They are also present in cured meats such as ham and bacon.

• Limit Alcohol Consumption

• Don’t Smoke