Eating too much smoked meat and processed foods has been linked to increased risk of stomach cancer. Consuming whole grains and garlic are also associated with a reduced risk of developing the disease. Excessive salt intake has also been associated with increased risk of developing stomach cancer. However, these risks do not necessarily outweigh the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Although it is still difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of stomach cancer, certain risk factors can help to determine whether or not a person is at high risk. For instance, individuals with certain disorders and rare cancers are more likely to develop stomach adenocarcinoma. Despite its difficult diagnosis, stomach cancer tends to develop in younger people and those with a family history of it. Moreover, individuals with certain genetic syndromes are more likely to develop stomach cancer.
While there are no certain cures for stomach cancer, doctors can offer various treatments to help their patients cope with the disease. For example, a doctor may prescribe a targeted drug therapy that inhibits the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor. Other treatments are used to suppress the growth of stomach cancer, reduce bleeding, and relieve pain. Among these, immunotherapy agents are used in the treatment of patients who have spread or returned to the stomach.
There are various tests used to diagnose stomach cancer. During an upper endoscopy, doctors insert a thin tube with a camera through the mouth and stomach to determine whether the cancer has spread. Biopsies are also taken from the stomach and oesophagus. The results of these tests will help the doctor decide whether stomach cancer has spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, the cancer may spread to the chest or lungs.
Inheritance of certain genetic mutations has also been linked to the development of stomach cancer. Inherited mutations are passed down through families and have been found in the cells of stomach cancer patients. Although the risks associated with these mutations are still unknown, a first-degree relative with stomach cancer may have inherited the syndrome. However, these types of inherited syndromes account for only a small percentage of cases worldwide. Somatic mutations are the most common type of stomach cancer and are linked to a high risk of developing other types of cancer.
Certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing stomach cancer. Several factors, including smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise, can be avoided by changing these lifestyle factors. Moreover, the risk of developing this disease can be reduced by avoiding these factors or by increasing the protective factors, such as quitting smoking. Additionally, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, not smoking, and getting regular treatment for related conditions can lower the risk of developing the disease.
