Raising Awareness: Gastric Cancer, Gut Health, and Prevention

Gastric cancer- also known as stomach cancer- is one of the most serious gastrointestinal cancer and is often diagnosed late. Early awareness, prevention, and gut health are essential to reducing risk. 

Mortality & Survival

• globally, gas for cancer causes over 769,000 deaths each year.
• The overall five year survival rate is approximately thirty six percent, but early detection improves outcomes significantly.
• For cancers that are contained in the stomach region.The survival rate is about seventy five percent.
• For cancer that spread to distal regions survival rate is approximately 7%.

Early screening and prevention make a significant difference

Risk factors we can modify:

• H. Pylori infection
• Diets high in salt, smoked and heavily processed foods
• Low fruit and vegetable intake
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity.

Some risk factors we can't change

• Increased age
• Male sex
• Family history/ genetics
• Geographic background

How do we reduce our modifiable risk:

• Get tested for H. PhloriIf you have symptoms such as chronic asterisk, ulcers or strong family history
• Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and high fiber foods
• Limit salt
• Limit smoked meats and process foods
• Quit smoking
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Practice save food and water hygiene
• Talk to your physician.If you have ongoing digestive symptoms or a family history.

Symptoms to watch for

• Increasing symptoms of indigestion or stomach pain
• Feeling full
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Difficulty swallowing 

Bottom Line

Gastric cancer is preventable in many cases, through lifestyle changes protecting gut health and h.Plugler screening. Awareness saves lives- an early detection makes the biggest difference.