by The stomach plays a crucial part in the digestive system by secreting the necessary acids and enzymes to digest the food. Countless factors can affect this important organ, and the major ailment is stomach cancer. According to the World Health Organization, around 7,69,000 deaths were recorded in 2020 due to this chronic condition.
Stomach cancer is considered one of the most common types of cancer affecting people of all ages and gender. The good news is that learning about the causes and risk factors of the condition will help you take preventive action with timely help from a professional stomach cancer doctor in Noida.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach Cancer, also termed Gastric Cancer develops when normal cells in any part of the stomach grow and divide at an abnormal rate. The condition usually begins as precancerous changes and grows slowly for several years, staged between I to IV.
Once diagnosed with stomach cancer, getting high-quality care from the expert Oncologist in Noida will improve your chances of recovery, eliminating the cancer cells before they spread. The major types of stomach cancer are:
- Adenocarcinoma is the most common type that accounts for 93% of stomach cancer and occurs in the innermost lining of the stomach.
- Lymphoma occurs by developing mutations in lymphatic tissues. It is a rare cancer of the immune system, accounting for 4% of stomach cancer.
- Carcinoid tumours affect the hormone-producing cells in the stomach and account for 3% of the condition.
What are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
In most people, the symptoms are not shown until cancer progresses to the final stage and are often considered digestive distress. Some of them are
- Indigestion, heartburn, and bloating
- Unexplained loss of weight and appetite
- Nausea or vomiting, with blood
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Full satiety even after a small meal
- Fatigue or weakness
- Black-colored faeces
- Anaemia
- Constipation or diarrhoea
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned stomach cancer symptoms or are concerned about risk factors, contact the best stomach cancer doctor in Noida.
What are the Causes of Stomach Cancer?
The researchers do not find the exact reason behind stomach cancer. The stomach wall is formed with five layers of tissues. The growth of gastric cancer cells starts within the innermost layer of the stomach, that is, the mucus-producing cells.
Cancer generally occurs due to abnormal mutation in the healthy cells, prompting them to grow and divide rapidly. The same process happens in the stomach cells, creating an accumulated form of cancer cells known as tumours.
However, few risk factors can trigger cancer formation in individuals. They are:
- Helicobacter Pylori
Helicobacter pylori or H.pylori is a harmless bacteria present in 50% of the world’s population; however, in few people, it will cause indigestion and result in long-term inflammation. This condition will eventually increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
- History of Cancer in family
Stomach cancer is associated with certain inherited genetic disorders, increasing the risk of the condition. People with closely related family members like parents and siblings diagnosed with stomach cancer are also at risk of developing gastric cancer.
- Obesity
Individuals who are obese or overweight can be affected by stomach cancer, as the excess weight causes more pressure on the stomach and esophagus.
- Smoking
Smoking tobacco is strongly associated with stomach cancer, doubling the chance of developing conditions. Tobacco contains carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) that cause irritation and changes in stomach lining cells.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Even though alcohol doesn’t have carcinogen properties, excessive consumption might irritate the stomach lining, increasing the chance of stomach cancer development.
- Occupational hazard exposure
Individuals working in coal, metal, and rubber industries are usually exposed to hazardous chemicals directly linked to stomach cancer.
- Diet
Eating foods such as peanut butter infected with aflatoxin fungus and toxic metabolites produced by fungi will induce the growth of stomach cancer. Moreover, Consuming a diet with an excess concentration of red meat, salt, smoked meats, and the lack of fruits and vegetables increases stomach cancer development.
- Anaemia
Individuals suffering from pernicious anaemia caused by the deficiency of Vitamin B12 are known to have a high risk of developing stomach cancer.
- Age
Most individuals diagnosed with gastric cancer are older people between the ages of 55 and 70. Cancer can also affect younger ones due to their sedentary lifestyle or certain medical conditions.
- Gender
Based on a study, men are likely to get affected by stomach cancer two times more than women. Due to the presence of oestrogen hormone, women are naturally protected from gastric inflammation, which will cause stomach cancer.
- Presence of other tumours
People diagnosed with other types of cancers also have a higher risk of developing gastric cancer. The tumour cells can metastasize and spread through the stomach lining.
How to prevent stomach cancer?
Here are some effective preventative tips to reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer:
- Quit smoking
- Maintain an optimal body weight
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Seek prompt treatment if you experience any symptoms of the condition
- Increase the intake of nutritious food, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds
- Engage yourself in physical activities regularly
- Schedule regular physical checkups
The Bottom Line
Despite the cause of the stomach cancer, receiving an early diagnosis and conservative treatment from the best oncologist in Noida is the key to successful stomach cancer treatment.
The response hits each person differently. However, taking the necessary actions and continuing your daily activities is important. Consult with Dr. Manish Singhal, the leading stomach cancer Doctor in Noida, who thrives on providing comprehensive diagnostics and remedial care for stomach cancer.
