Fourth common cancer worldwide

World is no more a peaceful place to live. We are going through an increasing level of stress at every place and at every stage of life. Our food habits are also turning out to be erratic with untimely foods, sugary and high-caloric foods, and fiberless foods. Thus, we are subjecting our gastric system to unfavorable environment very often and the result of this abuse is the cause for the increase in the incidence of gastric diseases and cancer. Let's see how serious this situation is and how to tackle it positively. Remember, gastric cancer is completely avoidable and curable if diagnosed at the right stage.

What is gastric cancer?

The formation of cancer cells or malignant cells on the lining of the stomach causes gastric cancer.

What are the risk factors for gastric cancer?

* Advancing age and being male.
* Genetic factor where a close blood relation has had gastric cancer.
* Smoking history.
* Medical conditions like Helicobacter pylori infection or chronic gastritis or pernicious anemia or intestinal metaplasia.
* Self-chosen habits like eating excessive salty, smoked food, unhygienic food, and a diet less in fruits, vegetables and fibers.

How to prevent gastric cancer?

* Eliminate the risk factors that are under our control including haphazard lifestyle.
* Do not ignore any abnormal signs or symptoms and seek early medical evaluation.
* It is always easy to treat or even cure gastric cancer at an early stage, so, be aware of the signs and symptoms given below.
* Eating a sensible balanced diet. Consumption of non-starchy vegetables, allium vegetables and fruits probably protect against this cancer.
* Dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals may lower the risk for gastric cancer.
Regular screening tests and seeking medical care immediately.

What are the signs and symptoms of gastric cancer?

One should not ignore indigestion or stomach discomfort or pain in general. The below signs and symptoms might indicate many other simple diseases or conditions, but it is always prudent to rule out gastric cancer.

Early signs:
* Indigestion and stomach discomfort.
* Feeling bloated after eating.
* Loss of appetite.
* Mild nausea.
* Heartburn.

Advanced stage symptoms:
* Unintentional weight loss.
* Stomach pain.
* Blood in the stools.
* Vomiting.
* Jaundice or yellowing of eyes and skin.
* Ascites or fluid build-up in the abdomen.
* Trouble swallowing.

How prevalent is gastric cancer?

Statistics show it is the FOURTH most common cancer in the world. The American Cancer Society estimates the stomach cancer in the United States for 2014, to about 22,220 cases of stomach cancer diagnosis (13,730 in men and 8,490 in women) and about 10,990 people to die from this (6,720 men and 4,270 women). The incidence of gastric cancer is more in less developed countries. However, the incidence of gastric cancer has come down through the past few decades and there is a thought that it may be linked to increased use of refrigeration for food storage, because with refrigerators, fresh fruits and vegetables are easily made available and the usage of salted and smoked foods has come down. Some doctors think the decline in incidence may also be due to the frequent use of antibiotics for infections.

Lifestyle changes advised after cancer diagnosis:

* Cancer treatment is usually by means of radiation and/or chemotherapy, or surgery.
* A good nutritive diet to overcome the weakness due to treatment.
* Prevention of infections by immunizations etc.
* Exercising to some level to strengthen the body.
* Some emotion-strengthening activities like meditation etc.
* Getting support from family, friends, psychiatrist, psychologist, social workers etc.
* Stopping smoking and/or drinking habits.

We must always keep in mind the adage "Prevention is better than cure" and spread the awareness about gastric cancer in our community. It is important to stick on to a healthy and happy lifestyle in general.

Watch the Video: Surviving Stomach Cancer! (No stomach for cancer )

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