Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the stomach. It is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer death.
Risk factors for stomach cancer. There are several risk factors for stomach cancer, including:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. H. pylori is a type of bacteria that lives in the stomach. It is a major risk factor for stomach cancer.
Diet. A diet high in red and processed meats, salty foods, and pickled foods can increase your risk of stomach cancer.
Obesity. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of stomach cancer.
Smoking. Smoking increases your risk of stomach cancer.
Family history of stomach cancer. Having a family history of stomach cancer increases your risk of developing the disease.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV is a virus that has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Anemia. Anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells, is a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Certain genetic mutations. Certain genetic mutations can increase your risk of stomach cancer.
High-risk habits that can lead to stomach cancer:
In addition to the risk factors listed above, there are a number of high-risk habits that can lead to stomach cancer. These habits include:
Eating a diet high in red and processed meats. Red and processed meats contain chemicals that can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of cancer.
Eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that can help protect against stomach cancer.
Eating a diet high in salt. Salt can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of cancer.
Pickled foods. Pickled foods contain nitrites, which can be converted into cancer-causing compounds in the stomach.
Smoking. Smoking damages the stomach lining and increases the risk of cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of cancer.
Prevention of stomach cancer:
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of stomach cancer, including:
Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit your intake of red and processed meats, salty foods, and pickled foods.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of stomach cancer. Losing weight, if necessary, can help to reduce your risk.
Quit smoking. Smoking damages the stomach lining and increases your risk of cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of stomach cancer.
Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of cancer. Limiting your alcohol intake can help to reduce your risk.
Get tested for H. pylori infection. If you have H. pylori infection, you can be treated with antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. This can help to reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer.
See your doctor for regular checkups. Regular checkups can help to detect stomach cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Conclusion
Stomach cancer is a serious disease, but it is preventable. By following the tips above, you can reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer.
If you are concerned about your risk of stomach cancer, please talk to your doctor.
Additional tips:
In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to reduce your risk of stomach cancer:
Eat fermented foods. Fermented foods, such as yogurt and kefir, contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help to protect against cancer.
Cook food thoroughly. Cooking food thoroughly can kill bacteria that can increase your risk of stomach cancer.
Manage stress. Stress can increase your risk of stomach cancer. Managing stress can help to reduce your risk.
By following these tips, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer and live a long and healthy life.
