Learning about the different stomach cancer risk factors plays an essential role in the potential primary prevention of the disease. In fact, understanding these risk factors goes a long way in diagnosing, preventing further spread of the cancer, and designing a treatment plan.
As per experts, a risk factor is something that increases an individual's chances of developing the disease. Some of these risk factors are modifiable, such as obesity, diet, and tobacco and alcohol consumption; others are non-modifiable, for example, age, gender, and family history.
Most Common Stomach Cancer Risk Factors
Here are some of the common risk factors, and learning about them can help one possibly avoid stomach cancer.
Age
Age is considered to be one of the most significant stomach cancer risk factors. Hormonal changes, a weak immune system, long exposure to H. pylori infection, the diminishing ability of the body to repair damage to the DNA, and chronic inflammation of the stomach's lining are some of the factors that are associated with increasing age and form a link between age and the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Gender
Gender is also a major risk factor associated with stomach cancer, as it is found to be more common among men as compared to women. Though the reason for this differentiation is not completely known, studies have suggested hormonal differences as one of the possible causes.
According to a few studies, women have a higher level of estrogen, which may offer protection against stomach carcinoma.
Bacterial Infection
Infections associated with certain bacteria, mainly Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, are also considered one of the stomach cancer risk factors. H. pylori infects the stomach lining and the small intestine's upper part and causes stomach ulcers. CagA, a toxin produced by H. pylori, can cause the stomach cells to become cancerous and divide uncontrollably.
Family history
A positive family history wherein close family members, such as siblings, parents, or kids, are diagnosed with stomach cancer may increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Genetic mutations, cancer clusters, and shared environments are some of the most important factors associated with family history.
Race and ethnicity
Geographic variations, lifestyle aspects associated with race and ethnicity, and genetic factors linked to certain races mark a link between race and ethnicity as a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians are more likely to develop stomach cancer when compared to other races.
Diet
Specific dietary habits, such as high salt intake, low levels of fruits and vegetables included in the diet, inadequate consumption of folate, and consumption of processed and red meat, increase the risk of stomach cancer. Though there are no particular foods that prevent stomach cancer, making certain dietary changes may help one reduce their stomach cancer risk.
Exposure to certain chemicals
Exposure to certain harmful chemicals, such as asbestos, high-salted food items, nitrates and nitrites, and PAHs found usually in coal, gas, oil, and tobacco, can increase one’s stomach cancer risk.
Chronic irritation of the bladder
Chronic irritation of the bladder could also be a result of the changes that occur in the stomach lining. This chronic irritation of the bladder can be caused by H. pylori infection, tobacco and alcohol use, dietary issues, and autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune gastritis.
Previous surgery or health conditions
Previous gastric surgery, chronic gout, pernicious anemia, gastric polyps, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are some of the medical conditions that increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Tobacco and alcohol
Excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption are also identified as stomach cancer risk factors. According to studies, those who smoke have a 1.5-fold higher risk of developing stomach cancer than those who don’t.
Obesity
Obesity leads to significant metabolic changes and inflammation in the body, which can increase one’s risk of developing stomach cancer.
Stomach cancer prevention measures
It is not possible to prevent stomach cancer; however, certain measures can help reduce its risk. Here are some possible ways to prevent stomach cancer:
Don't smoke
Quitting smoking can help increase the chances of stomach cancer prevention.
Less intake of salted and pickled food
Limiting the intake of salted and pickled foods helps reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
Eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
Since fruits and vegetables are a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, consuming them on a daily basis can help one reduce their stomach cancer risk.
Treating the H. pylori infection may offer protection.
H. pylori infection can lead to stomach lining inflammation, which can increase the chances of stomach cancer. Thus, treating H. pylori can significantly help in offering protection against stomach carcinoma.
Conclusion
Though there are no sure ways to prevent stomach cancer, having an understanding of its risk factors is highly helpful. That said, it is possible for one to mitigate their stomach cancer by practicing certain preventive measures, which involve modifying and adopting certain lifestyle habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though there is no direct link between exercise and possible stomach cancer prevention, it is recommended to opt for regular exercise, which can help with healthy weight management and overall well-being.
Those who are associated with the following risk factors have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer:
- Older age
- Male gender
- H. pylori infection
- A family history of stomach cancer
- Obesity
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
There are no particular foods that prevent or fight stomach cancer. However, consumption of adequate quantities of fruits and vegetables, foods rich in vitamin C, a low-salt diet, and whole grains may reduce one’s stomach cancer risk.
There are some foods that fight stomach cancer, such as bananas, apples, mango, watermelon, peaches, and avocado. Also, stomach cancer patients should avoid foods such as fried food, spicy and high-salted food, hot beverages, and processed and red meat.
Doctors recommend multiple treatment options to treat stomach cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are the commonly recommended treatments to kill stomach cancer cells.
No foods are identified as stomach cancer-causing foods. However, consumption of highly processed meat, red meat, spicy and salty foods, smoked and charred foods, etc. can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
