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Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer in India and the third leading cause of cancer death. It is more common in men than in women, and the risk increases with age. The causes of stomach cancer are not fully understood, but they are thought to include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, smoking, a diet high in salt and processed meats, and a family history of the disease.
The symptoms of stomach cancer can be vague and nonspecific, making it difficult to diagnose early. As a result, many cases of stomach cancer are not diagnosed until they have reached an advanced stage. According to the leading gastroenterologists in Baner, Pune, the stomach cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, but it may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Through this article let’s find out more about stomach cancer, its symptoms and how one can prevent it. Scroll till the end to read accurate information on stomach cancer.
12 Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach. The symptoms of stomach cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer. In the early stages, stomach cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, it can cause the following symptoms:
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Unexplained weight loss
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Abdominal pain
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Indigestion
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Heartburn
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Feeling full after eating a small amount of food.
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Trouble swallowing
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Blood in the stool
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Black, tarry stools
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
You must consult with an expert gastroenterologist in Baner if you experience these symptoms. Your doctor at the best gastroenterology hospital in Pune would recommend some more medical tests to determine the accurate cause of the symptoms. Depending on the reports you will be given the treatment.
Top 10 Tips to prevent Stomach Cancer
As said, prevention is better than cure, there are things you can do to lower your risk of stomach cancer. Some of the things you can do for a healthy stomach are:
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Eat a Healthy Diet
This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. Whole grains are a good source of fibre, which can help keep your digestive system healthy.
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Avoid Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for stomach cancer. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to lower your risk.
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Get Regular Checkups
If you have any risk factors for stomach cancer, such as a family history, your doctor may recommend regular checkups. This includes getting a physical exam and blood tests.
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Testing for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Eradication of H. pylori infection
H. pylori is a unique organism that can survive in a stomach acid environment and causes gastritis and gastric cancer. It is one of the treatable causes of stomach cancer. So if you are at risk or have recurrent or refractory dyspepsia, please get tested and treated for H. pylori.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for stomach cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help lower your risk.
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Consume Freshly Cooked Food
It is better to avoid processed and packaged food as it contains preservatives that can cause various health risks. In addition to the preservatives, processed or packaged food is low in nutritional value as compared to freshly cooked food.
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Limit your Intake of Salty Foods
Salt can irritate the stomach lining, making it more susceptible to damage from harmful bacteria. It can also promote the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria that is a major risk factor for stomach cancer. In addition, salt can increase the production of stomach acid, which can also damage the stomach lining. Salt can also interfere with the body's ability to repair damage to the stomach lining.
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Avoid Processed Meats
Processed meat is meat that has been preserved by salting, curing, smoking, or other methods. These processes can introduce chemicals into the meat that can increase the risk of cancer. One of the main concerns with processed meat is the presence of nitrates and nitrites. These chemicals are used to preserve meat and give it a pink colour. However, they can also react with other chemicals in the meat to form N-nitroso compounds (NOCs). NOCs are known carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer.
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Drink Plenty of Fluids, especially Water
Water helps to flush toxins out of the body, which may help to prevent the formation of cancer cells. Water also helps to keep the stomach lining healthy and may help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
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Get Enough Sleep
Sleep helps to repair cells and tissues, and it also helps to regulate the immune system. When you are well-rested, your body is better able to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, sleep deprivation can increase the production of stress hormones, which can damage cells and promote the growth of cancer cells.
By following these tips, you can help lower your risk of stomach cancer. You can book a consultation with our experts and get all your queries answered by the best doctors in Pune at Manipal Hospitals. We invite you to explore our official blog page and read blogs on various topics related to health and lifestyle.
