The incidence of stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is increasing in India. Several studies indicate that men are more affected than women, largely due to lifestyle- related factors. Higher rates of alcohol consumption and smoking have a significant negative impact on men’s health. Additionally, diets high in spicy and salty foods, along with the use of preservatives, are major contributors to the development of stomach cancer.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory, stomach cancer ranks among the top 10 most prevalent cancers in India. It is the 5th most common cancer in men and the 7th most common in women. Compared to many Western countries, stomach cancer rates in India are relatively high. Due to the preference for spicy, salty, and preserved foods, along with alcohol consumption, the cases are increasing. Unfortunately, stomach cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which contributes to high mortality rates. In India, the five-year survival rate for stomach cancer is approximately 20%. 

Dr. Richu Sharma, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Ujala Cygnus JK Medicity Hospital, Jammu, J&K, has answered some important questions related to stomach cancer. Here you can read the interview:

What is stomach cancer? What are the types of stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the lining of the stomach. Chronic irritation of the stomach lining can lead to the development of stomach cancer over time. The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 90-92 percent of cases. Additional types include lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and carcinoid tumors. To mitigate the causes and risk factors associated with stomach cancer, it is imperative to consider several key factors such as chronic infection, diet, tobacco use and alcohol consumption, chronic stomach disorders, obesity, and family history.

 As we all know, the stomach is our digestive organ. It is the main digestive organ where all our food breaks down and nutrients are absorbed. If any chronic irritation remains in the inner lining of the stomach, then in the future it may develop into stomach cancer.

What are the symptoms or warning signs of stomach cancer?

Patients should be vigilant regarding symptoms that may indicate the presence of stomach or gastric cancer, which include indigestion, early satiety, vomiting or nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, gas, loss of appetite, fatigue, constipation, melena (black stool), hematochezia (blood in stools), hematemesis (blood in vomit), and unexplained weight loss. To reduce the risk of stomach cancer, individuals should consider limiting the intake of spicy foods and prioritize maintaining a healthy stomach. Numerous cases may be preventable or manageable through dietary modifications. It is recommended that individuals increase their intake of fruits and vegetables while reducing or eliminating the consumption of junk foods and those high in preservatives. Additionally, it is essential to address smoking and alcohol consumption habits. If diagnosed with an H. pylori infection, appropriate treatment should be pursued. Managing or losing weight may also lower the risk of stomach cancer.

Are cases of stomach cancer increasing in India? 

Yes, the cases of stomach cancer are increasing in India. Worldwide, India ranks third in terms of stomach cancer after China and Japan. The most common risk factor is some chronic infections, such as the most common bacteria, H. pylori. Which mostly causes chronic irritation in the stomach, which in the future causes ulcers and inflammation and can develop into cancer. It is treatable. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat it.

 Can stomach cancer be prevented with a better diet? Does spicy food cause stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer can be prevented and controlled to a great extent by changing the diet. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables in your diet and reduce junk and preservative-rich food from your diet. Along with this, we can modify smoking and alcohol consumption, which are in our hands. A high intake of salty food, spicy food, and smoked food is not at all good for stomach health, and that food is junk food. Extra spicy food, which has more preservatives, often contains carcinogens that can develop stomach cancer. People who have very little intake of fruits and vegetables also have poor stomach health compared to normal people. They increase the cases of stomach cancer somewhere. 

 Do smoking and alcohol cause stomach cancer?

Yes, smoking is not good for stomach health at all. It later promotes gastric cancer. Similarly, consumption of alcohol is also not good for stomach health. Therefore, smoking and alcohol can cause gastric cancer in the future. Also, suppose the patient has chronic infection due to which the stomach is getting irritated repeatedly, as in gastritis, or some kind of changes occur in the chronic lining. In that case, all those changes can become gastric cancer in the future.

Can stomach cancer be prevented by changing lifestyle? 

Lifestyle changes Certainly, patients who are obese have the highest risk of getting stomach cancer as compared to those who are of normal weight. Therefore, every possible effort should be made to keep oneself fit and healthy. Some patients also have a family history of gastric cancer. Therefore, if someone in the family has had stomach or gastric cancer at a young age, then these patients should get screened and keep meeting their doctor. So that screening can be done to reduce the risk in the future.

What are the warning signs and symptoms of stomach cancer?

 If a patient is experiencing symptoms such as indigestion, a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food, vomiting or nausea, pain or discomfort in the stomach, excessive gas, loss of appetite, fatigue, constipation, black-colored stools, blood in the stools, blood in the vomit, or unexplained weight loss, these may be indications that the patient has stomach cancer/gastric cancer.

If you have specific questions about stomach cancer, please get in touch with the nearest Ujala Cygnus Hospital or reach our health experts at askadoctor@ujalacygnus.com. 

FAQ

What will you do if an H. pylori infection is diagnosed? 

If H. pylori or any such infection is diagnosed, then its treatment should be done. It is important to know that H. pylori bacterium can induce chronic irritation, resulting in ulcers and inflammation, and potentially leading to stomach cancer. Fortunately, infections such as these are treatable; thus, timely diagnosis and intervention are critical.

What are the primary causes of stomach cancer?

Spicy and salty food and preservatives used majorly harm the stomach, and these are also the primary causes of stomach cancer.

Does diet influence stomach cancer cases?

Dietary habits significantly influence the incidence of stomach cancer. High consumption of salty, spicy, smoked, and processed foods harms stomachs health. Foods that are excessively spicy and rich in preservatives may contain carcinogenic compounds, heightening the risk of cancer development.