The main reason for any cancer is due development of cancer cells. In our body, millions of cells die and new ones are created every day. Cancer cells are formed when a cell which is supposed to die, it does not; instead it multiplies rapidly hampering normal body functions. In case of stomach cancer, cancer cells are formed near the lining of the stomach. Therefore they are also called as gastric cancer.
This type of cancer is quite rare and thus its symptoms are usually associated with other diseases or cancer. If detected, it’s often in the later stages where chances of curing it are quite low. Some common symptoms of stomach cancer are:-
- Indigestion
- Bloating after eating
- Light nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn
- Gastritis
- Blood in stool
- Vomiting
- Yellowish eyes or skin
As in all cases of cancer there is no single cause, there are various reasons that can “increase” the chances of acquiring cancer. Below are some factors that are commonly known to increase the chances of stomach cancer significantly: –
Lymphoma
It is another cancer which begins with infection fighting cells of the body, bone marrow, stem cells etc. If a person had any lymphoma then the chances of acquiring gastric cancer is higher, so if you are showing some symptoms of stomach cancer then it suggested checking for stomach cancer.
H.pylori Bacteria
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterial infection which causes stomach inflation or gastritis, although any gastritis is known to increase the chances of stomach cancer, gastritis caused by this bacterium is especially known to increase the chances of stomach cancer.
This is due to the fact that during the course of infection the stomach produces excess acid and disrupts stomachs natural defences against the acid. Exposure to acid causes unintended mutation in the cells.
Cancers and tumours in close proximity to stomach. Cancer cells can spread to nearby regions if not treated properly. Stomach cancers are quite likely if one had cancer in digestive system.
Stomach polyps
Abnormal tissue growth due to tumour, inflammation, cyst, mutation. Most stomach polyps are from mutation which can eventually lead to cancer.
Adults above the age of 50
Risk of cancer in general increases with increase in age.
Smokers
Smoking is associated with all sorts of diseases. Cancer is just a small part of that list. Smoking tobacco often releases carcinogenic chemicals which travel down with the smoke along the oesophagus.
Family History
Certain bloodline disorder may weaken you against certain infections and diseases which can cause stomach cancer, just like diabetes. If you know that a small number of family members have succumbed to stomach cancer, then it is better to check for stomach cancer.
Consumption of salty and processed foods
Excess salt damages the inner lining of the stomach, which means disabling the stomachs best defence against gastric acid. Moreover, many infections like Helicobacter pylori gets worse. Processed foods contain large amounts of infused salt to help preservation.
Meat
Consumption of processed meat is linked with bowel and stomach cancer. They contain higher amounts of nitrites, salt and fatty acids. It is not necessary to cut meat from the diet entirely it is advised to reduce the amount of meat and switch over to vegetable and fish based products as they are healthy and loaded with nutrients.
Unhealthy
Maintaining your health is utmost important. Like smoking unhealthy individuals are very susceptible to diseases. We are spending most of our time and resources spending and resting due to sickness, maintaining your health can help prevent a ton of diseases, and help you save a lot of time and money.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol by-product acetaldehyde is carcinogenic and linked with stomach cancer. Alcohol is also linked with mouth, bowel, breast, voice box, and liver cancer. Noting the above point of spreading of cancer to nearby region, consumption of alcohol can lead to cancer, directly or indirectly.
Exposure to asbestos
Although asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma (rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen), and cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary. It is known to increase chances of stomach cancer. Asbestos production is banned in many countries, so the chances of high level exposure is quite low.
Occupational Hazard
Certain occupations like rubber, coal, metal and timber industries can expose you to hazardous substances. Be sure to take sufficient safety measures and have your body checked up regularly.
Usually, cancer hospital in Noida won’t check for stomach cancer due to its rarity, it is up to you to inform Dr. Vikas Goswami to check for it, if you feel that you fall in a lot of the above mentioned factors. Mostly it will something mild, be positive and don’t stress yourself over it.