Manage Risk of Stomach Cancer
Stomach or gastric cancer affects two-thirds of people over 65. Stomach cancer often goes undetected until it is advanced, making treatment more difficult. Managing your risk of stomach cancer is possible, through early diagnosis of symptoms and knowledge of your family medical history.Several risk factors may be present that predispose to stomach cancer. Some are controllable, while others are not. Many people who develop stomach cancer have no risk factors. Even if you are at risk, it doesn’t mean you will develop stomach cancer.
Instructions
How Stomach Cancer Occurs
1. Review your family medical history to determine if anyone in your family has had stomach cancer. Researchers are not exactly certain why stomach cancer develops, but it’s thought to be related to changes in the cells that line the stomach. Several conditions are thought to contribute to “pre-cancerous” changes that promote the development of stomach cancer. H. Pylori bacteria, is thought to predispose stomach cells to damage. When H. pylori, a bacteria that causes inflammation and long-term infection, is present in the stomach, chemicals in certain foods seem to have more impact on the DNA (chemicals that carry out genes), causing the cells to more easily mutate. The theory might explain why preservatives in red meat are riskier for some, while other foods, rich in anti-oxidants protect the cells.The normal glands in the stomach may also be decreased or absent, a condition known as atrophic gastritis, also associated with H. pylori. Intestinal metaplasia is a condition where the cells that line the stomach are replaced by cells normally seen in the intestinal lining. Researchers believe there is also an association between intestinal metaplasia and H. pylori, but we only have clues as to why these conditions progress to stomach cancer. Scientists have gained better understanding of how genetics affect our risk of cancer. Genetics tell our body function. Genetic variances can lead to cancer, and over the past few years, great emphasis has been place on targeting specific genes in hopes of understanding how cancer occurs, hopefully leading to advances in therapy. A small number of stomach cancers are thought to be due to genetics, present at birth.
2. Notice if you suffer from symptoms indigestion, unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting and vague discomfort above the navel. These are all early symptoms of stomach cancer. A hallmark symptom is a sense of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating a small meal.It’s important to control known risk factors to minimize your chances of developing stomach cancer. If you have been diagnosed with H. pylori, obviously it’s important to comply with treatment. GERD is prevalent, and many of us use over the counter medications to control symptoms of heartburn. It’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to obtain a definite diagnosis.
3. Get an endoscopy. The doctor passes a thin, flexible tube down your throat and into the stomach, providing a direct view at the stomach lining. The procedure is performed under sedation and allows for biopsy and tissue sampling in addition to a visual examination, as well as culture for bacterial infection, such as H. pylori. A blood test can also detect the presence of H. pylori. Your doctor may choose another test, depending on the results of your history and physical exam, such as special X-rays, ultrasound, CT or PET scan or MRI.
4. Decrease your risk factors by understanding the cause of any symptoms you might be experiencing and following your doctor’s treatment instructions regarding medications. H. pylori is sometimes treated with antibiotics, but research is ongoing regarding the benefits. Stomach cancer prevention is possible, even though we don’t completely understand the causes. As mentioned, treatment of H. pylori is important, but you have to know if that is a personal risk. Again, speak with you doctor if you have frequent bouts of heartburn, indigestion or stomach discomfort.
5. Declines in stomach cancer over the past decades is believed to be the result of better dietary habits. Avoidance of pickled, salted fish and meats and smoked foods will help manage your risk of stomach cancer. Weight control is important. Obesity is believed to contribute to many forms of cancer due to the hormonal influence of increased number of fat cells.
6. Eating a diet rich in anti-oxidants is also beneficial. The American Cancer Society recommends whole grain foods, five servings of fruits and vegetables daily and avoiding red and processed meats. Berries are especially beneficial for stomach cancer prevention.
