Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, forms in one of the five layers of the stomach, but may spread deep into the stomach or nearby organs. Men and certain ethnic populations, including American Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and African Americans are more at risk for developing stomach cancer.
The prognosis for stomach cancer is not as good as for other-more prevalent-types of cancer, such as breast or prostate. However, you can take steps to prevent stomach cancer, and by being aware of symptoms, you can promptly seek medical attention when something is amiss.
Risk Factors
Physicians don't know for sure why some people develop stomach cancer, but they have identified several factors that increase your risk.
- Long-term inflammation and diseases of the stomach
- Smoking
- Poor diet and being sedentary, which leads to obesity
- Deficiency of the mineral selenium
- Family history
- Age (65 or older)
The Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) bacterium causes an infection the inner layer of the stomach and is also a risk factor for stomach cancer. Fortunately, only a small number of people infected with H. pylori do develop cancer.
Symptoms
Signs of stomach cancer mirror those of other, less serious, diseases. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your physician promptly to rule out cancer.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Feeling full or bloated after small meal
- Vomiting blood or blood in stool
Prevention
In a study of two million people in South Korea, where stomach cancer is prevalent, researchers found that a salty diet increased risk for stomach cancer by 10 percent. They noted that these results were due to consumption of salty foods rather than from excessive table salt added to food after preparation.
Salt has become ubiquitous, cropping up in foods you'd least expect. In most countries, about 75 percent of residents' salt consumption comes from processed foods and restaurant food. The World Health Organization recommends adults consume less than five grams of salt per day, although typical consumption averages more than nine grams daily. Read nutrition labels on food you purchase and learn where salt sneaks into your diet so you can minimize your intake.
Also, a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables protects is associated with a significant reduction in stomach cancer.
Sources:
National Cancer Institute. "What you need to know about stomach cancer." Web. 15 October 2009.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/stomach
Wolinsky, Howard. "Salty Diet Tied to Stomach Cancer in Korean Study." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Medscape Medical News. Web. 24 March 2010
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/719165
Barclay, Laurie, MD. "Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Risk for Stomach Cancer." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Published online December 9, 2009. Medscape Medical News. Web. 29 December 2010. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/714369
Nainggolan, Lisa. "Ripe For Change: US Ponders Populationwide Salt-reduction Policies." Medscape Medical News. Web. 23 March 2010. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/718988
"Increased Cancer Risk Seen With Higher Blood Glucose Levels." Medscape Medical News. Web. 27 January 2009. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/716018
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Stomach Cancer: Risk Factors & Prevention." Web. 20 February 2008. http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/5335.cfm
Simmons Cancer Center at Southern University of Illinois. "Stomach Cancer." Web.
http://www.siumed.edu/cancer/info/info_stomach.html
Mayo Clinic. "Stomach Cancer: Prevention." Web. 11 April 2009.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-cancer/DS00301/DSECTION=prevention
