Stomach cancer or gastric cancer, is a type of cancer which starts in the cells, lining the stomach. It develops gradually over many years, and its early symptoms may be vague or not that noticeable. As the cancer advances and if it’s not treated, then it can spread to other parts of the stomach and nearby organs. It can also metastasize to distant organs.
Experts have said that the increase in stomach cancer cases in India is the result of a combination of many factors, such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, high stress levels, genetic predisposition, and the consumption of junk food.
Besides, distinct dietary practices, notably a preference for spicy and preserved foods, joined with alcohol intake, significantly contribute to the relatively high rates of stomach cancer in the country, as mentioned by the healthcare professionals.
Dr Puneet Dhar, HoD, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Amrita Hospital, from Faridabad said that, stomach cancer predominantly affects people after the age of 50 years, with the average age at diagnosis being around 60. There’s a slightly higher prevalence among men compared to women, with men exhibiting a higher risk due to lifestyle factors such as, higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.
Geographically, higher incidence rates are noted in counties where dietary patterns include more salty, spicy or preserved foods. Hormonal differences and genetic factors might also play a role, although more research is required for conclusive evidence,” he added.
Symptoms of stomach cancer are vomiting, nausea, blood in the stool, loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing, persistent abdominal pain or discomfort and unexpected weight loss. While early-stage stomach cancer may not show noticeable symptoms, the doctors emphasized the importance of regular screenings for high-risk people.
Stomach cancer diagnosis differs widely, depending on the stage at diagnosis. Types of stomach cancer include Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), Lymphoma and Adenocarcinoma.
Unfortunately, stomach cancer is often detected in later stages, which contributes to high mortality rates. The epidemiology of gastric cancer suggests that it is not a single disease or caused by a single factor, but a combination of genetic, socio-cultural, and environmental factors in a given county dictates its presentation. Various etiological factors such as smoking, alcohol, nitrates, and Helicobacter pylori infection have been proposed as causative factors for gastric cancer, says Dr Harish Verma, Senior Consultant at the Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.
The high rate of local and distant recurrence even in patients with gastric cancer shows the systemic spread of cancer very early in the disease, thus highlighting the need for multimodality treatment including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy for treating the disease.
Verma says, In the developed world, there has been a reduction in the incidence of gastric cancer and this has been attributed to improved food hygiene, sanitation, and food preservation techniques. However, in certain parts in India, this declining trend has not been seen. Differences in some dietary patterns and use of tobacco and alcohol have been considered as potential risk factors.
The health experts called for improving dietary habits along with avoidance of preserved food and healthy lifestyle changes to control the incidence of stomach cancer.
They also stressed the need for consuming a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, minimizing processed and preserved foods, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, and scheduling regular medical check-ups, mainly for those with a family history or concerning symptoms.
