An introduction to stomach cancer
What does stomach cancer mean?
Stomach cancer is the growth of cells that abnormally starts in the stomach. Stomach cancer is also referred as gastric cancer.
Common symptoms of stomach cancer
Stomach cancer does not cause very obvious symptoms, especially in the initial stages. According to Dr. Vikas, the best oncologist in Noida, at Zeeva cancer hospital in Noida, some symptoms that a person suffering from stomach cancer may face are as follows.
- Feeling bloated
- Decrease in appetite
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss in weight
- Constant fatigue
- Passing stool similar to black
What are the risk factors of stomach cancer?
Chances of developing stomach cancer vary from person to person depending on certain risk factors, says Dr. Vikas, who is the best oncologist in Noida at Zeeva clinic, the best cancer hospital in Noida. Some risk factors that can increase the chances of developing stomach cancer are as follows.
Gender
Case studies have shown that stomach cancer has been more common in females in comparison to males.
Age
People of any age can develop stomach cancer, but the chances are higher in people of older age who are in their 60s or 70s.
Being overweight
People who are obese are at a major risk of developing stomach cancer, especially in the upper part of the stomach called the cardia.
Poor diet
Poor diet or unhealthy lifestyle can lead to obesity as well as increase the risks of stomach cancer. Also, eating too many processed foods or highly salted meals can increase the risk of non-cardia stomach cancers.
Excess consumption of alcohol or tobacco
People who consume too much alcohol are more prone to stomach cancer. Those who smoke have double the risk of developing stomach cancer, especially near the esophagus.
History of stomach surgery
People who had previously gone under the knife for stomach surgeries to get some part of the stomach removed for conditions like ulcers have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. A possible reason for this can be that the amount of acid released in the stomach gets reduced, which can reduce its effectiveness in preventing bacteria.
Certain types of stomach polyps
Stomach polyps are abnormal growths on the lining of the stomach that are not cancer-causing. Certain types of polyps, such as adenomas, have a chance of developing into stomach cancer.
Menetrier disease
Also known as Hypertrophic gastropathy, this is a rare condition that reduces the production of stomach acids and may lead to stomach cancer.
Genetic conditions
Some genetic conditions that may be inherited from one generation to other can lead to stomach cancer in the long run. Some of these conditions include lynching syndrome, hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis or FAP, Gastric adenoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and so on.
Family history of stomach cancer
People with a history of suffering from stomach cancer in their close relatives or family can also develop this cancer.
Common variable immune deficiency
This condition, also known as CVID, can weaken the immune system, leading to lower antibody production in the body, increasing the risks of developing certain infections or gastric lymphoma and stomach cancer.
Epstein-Barr virus or EBV infection
Though it is not evident whether the EBV virus itself causes stomach cancer or not but this virus was present in almost 5 to 10 percent of the patients. In such cases, stomach cancer was found to be slow-growing and non-spreading.
Exposure to certain materials
Case studies have shown that people more exposed to or work in the metal, rubber, or coal industries are more prone to developing stomach cancer.
People with blood type A
People who have a blood group of type A are more exposed to the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Conclusion
Being aware of the risk factors of the stomach factors can help a person in stopping cancer from getting severe. Stomach cancer can be prevented by taking care of these risk factors, such as checking the nutrients in your diet, avoiding or limiting alcohol intake, and smoking. Consulting an excellent doctor like Dr. Vikas Goswami, who is the best oncologist in Noida at Zeeva cancer hospital in Noida, can also help you in getting better knowledge about cancer and whether you are at risk or not. Dr. Vikas, the best oncologist in Noida, along with his well-skilled staff at Zeeva cancer hospital in Noida, will provide you with excellent guidance.
