Many individuals experience digestive issues like bloating and stomach pain, which are often nothing to worry about. However, it is important to pay attention to persistent symptoms as they may be indicative of an underlying condition. Dr. Nicholas Trikalinos, a medical oncologist at Siteman Cancer Center, advises individuals to keep track of any changes in bowel habits and to seek medical attention if they persist.
Stomach cancer cases are on the decline, but it still affects a significant number of people each year, causing an estimated 11,000 deaths annually. Dr. Trikalinos suggests that individuals can lower their risk of developing gastric cancer by avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting consumption of processed, salty, or smoked foods.
In the United States, rates of stomach cancer have declined due to better food refrigeration and a decrease in Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infections. However, the disease remains prevalent in other parts of the world, particularly in East Asia. Early detection is crucial in increasing survival rates for any cancer, including stomach cancer. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Experts consulted by Eat This, Not That! Health suggest that individuals seek medical advice if they experience persistent stomach discomfort or loss of appetite. It is always best to consult with a physician for personalized medical advice.
1) Essential Information About Stomach Cancer You Need to Know
According to Dr. Foster Lasley, a radiation oncologist at GenesisCare, stomach cancer cases have steadily declined over the past century, and it now accounts for only 1.5% of all cancer cases in the United States. Approximately 27,000 Americans are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year, ranking it lower than more commonly diagnosed cancers such as breast cancer. However, early detection and effective treatment are crucial as stomach cancer can still pose a significant danger to those diagnosed with the disease.
One challenge is raising awareness of the symptoms of stomach cancer. Since it is relatively uncommon, individuals may not consider early symptoms, such as unexplained indigestion, anemia, and fatigue, as serious issues. This can result in the cancer progressing if left undiagnosed and untreated, which is not an ideal scenario for patients. Therefore, understanding the risk factors and symptoms is essential.
Dr. Nicholas Trikalinos, a medical oncologist, also notes that stomach cancer is not rare and used to be the leading cancer problem before lung cancer took over. It is more prevalent in certain regions, such as Eastern Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America, compared to North America. Approximately 22,000 patients are diagnosed with stomach cancer in the United States each year. While this number is dropping over time, it is still important to remain vigilant and aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.
2) Warning Signs of Stomach Cancer
According to Dr. Lasley, stomach cancer is a challenging disease to diagnose because early-stage stomach cancer doesn't typically present with many unusual symptoms. Routine screenings for stomach cancer are also not yet commonplace, resulting in later-stage diagnoses when the cancer has already spread outside of the stomach.
Despite this, there are some symptoms that may be indicative of stomach cancer, including loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or discomfort, feeling full after eating small amounts, regular heartburn or indigestion, nausea and vomiting (sometimes with blood), swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen, blood in stool, anemia, and jaundice.
Dr. Trikalinos notes that stomach cancer can interfere with the digestion process, causing symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, and difficulty swallowing. While pain is not a typical symptom of stomach cancer in its early stages, some patients may experience bleeding from small tumors, which can cause low blood levels. Any persistent change in digestive habits is a cause for concern and should prompt a visit to a primary care doctor for proper diagnosis.
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it's important to seek medical attention promptly as they can also indicate other health problems. Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes in stomach cancer.
3) Controllable Risk Factors
Dr. Lasley emphasizes the importance of implementing lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of stomach cancer. The most significant modifiable risk factors are avoiding or quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying physically active to avoid obesity. However, there are non-modifiable risk factors such as age, sex, and family history that cannot be controlled.
Dr. Trikalinos notes that stomach cancer can appear randomly or in families with shared inherited genetic problems. While these cannot be prevented, individuals should inform their doctors if any family members have been diagnosed with stomach cancer. However, there are modifiable risk factors that can lower the chances of developing gastric cancer. Chronic inflammation of the stomach caused by an infection (such as H. pylori) or an immune disorder (such as atrophic gastritis) can raise the risk of gastric cancer. Treating this inflammation can help decrease the chances of cancer development in the future. To reduce the risk of stomach cancer, it is recommended to avoid smoking and high salt foods, consume more fruits and vegetables, and maintain a healthy weight.
4) The Link Between H. pylori and Stomach Cancer
As explained by Dr. Lasley, H. pylori is a common bacterium present in 30-40% of people that can cause inflammation and ulcers in the stomach. While not everyone who has this bacteria is diagnosed with cancer, long-term inflammation caused by H. pylori can make cells in the stomach lining more likely to become cancerous. H. pylori is linked to one of the two main classifications of stomach cancer: non-cardia gastric cancer. Thankfully, modern medicine has made it possible to test and treat H. pylori through antibiotics, improving the likelihood of a positive outcome for patients. It is recommended to seek immediate treatment if an H. pylori infection is found.
According to Dr. Trikalinos, H. pylori is a bacterium that can surprisingly thrive in a very acidic stomach environment, causing gastritis, inflammation, and pain. Studies have shown that the infection and resulting inflammation can increase the risk of early and advanced cancer in some patients. Therefore, it is essential to treat the infection as soon as it is discovered to reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.
5) The Impact of Smoking and Diet on Stomach Cancer Risk
According to Dr. Lasley, high-salt diets can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Physicians recommend avoiding foods preserved through drying, smoking, salting, pickling, or those with added salts. Smoking is also a significant risk factor for stomach cancer. Tobacco products contain carcinogens that spread not only to the lungs but also throughout the esophagus and upper parts of the stomach. Studies estimate that individuals who smoke are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer than non-smokers.
Dr. Trikalinos notes that up to half of all stomach cancers may be influenced by smoking and lifestyle factors. Tobacco products contain carcinogens that can increase the risk of many cancers, including stomach cancer. Smoking cessation can decrease the risk of stomach cancer, but it may take years for the risk to decrease. Interestingly, smoked foods and those high in salt or preserved in salt have also been linked to an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. These foods can irritate and damage the stomach lining, making it more vulnerable to developing cancer. It is recommended to maintain a healthy diet and avoid smoking to reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
6) Stomach Cancer No Longer the Primary Cause of Cancer Mortality
According to Dr. Trikalinos, gastric cancer cases are decreasing, and patients are living longer with the disease, which could be attributed to early detection and better treatments. Theories suggest that the decreasing rates are due to changes in diet and smoking habits, as well as increased awareness and recognition of modifiable risk factors like H. pylori.
Dr. Lasley explains that stomach cancer was historically the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States due to diets consisting mostly of high-salt foods preserved through methods like salting and smoking. However, with advancements in food science and the adoption of the refrigerator, diets have become more varied, and salt consumption has decreased, leading to a steady decrease in stomach cancer cases. Currently, stomach cancer ranks low on the list of most diagnosed forms of cancer in the United States.
However, stomach cancer rates in Asian countries remain higher than in the United States due to different preservation methods, diets, and H. pylori prevalence. Asian Americans living in the United States may be at higher risk for stomach cancer than other populations, and those with a family history of stomach cancer or from a high-risk background should be aware of the symptoms and speak with their physician if they have any concerns. While stomach cancer mortality rates have decreased, it is still essential to understand the risk factors and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.