Health experts share key reasons why stomach cancer cases are rising in India

Eating junk food stress unhealthy lifestyle and genes explain the major reason behind increase in stomach cancer cases in India said experts here on Wednesday Stomach cancer also known as Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer among males and seventh most common cancer among females in India It is also the second most common cause of cancer death globallyOver the past decade the incidence of stomach cancer in India has exhibited a gradual increase Compared to many Western countries stomach cancer rates in India are relatively high It is due to unique dietary practices notably a preference for spicy and preserved foods and alcohol intake according to doctorsldquoStomach cancer predominantly affects individuals after the age of 50 years with the average age at diagnosis being around 60 Theres a slightly higher prevalence among men compared to women with men exhibiting a higher risk due to lifestyle factors like higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumptionrdquo said Dr Puneet Dhar HoD Gastrointestinal Surgery Amrita Hospital FaridabadldquoGeographically higher incidence rates are noted in regions where dietary patterns include more spicy salty or preserved foods Hormonal differences and genetic factors might also play a role although further research is needed for conclusive evidencerdquo he added Symptoms of stomach cancer include persistent abdominal pain or discomfort unexplained weight loss loss of appetite difficulty swallowing nausea vomiting and blood in the stoolWhile earlystage stomach cancer may not exhibit noticeable symptoms the doctors emphasised the importance of regular screenings for highrisk individuals Stomach cancer prognosis varies widely depending on the stage at diagnosis Types of stomach cancer include adenocarcinoma lymphoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumours GISTs Unfortunately stomach cancer is often diagnosed in later stages contributing to higher mortality ratesldquoThe epidemiology of gastric cancer suggests that it is not a single disease or caused by a single factor but a combination of genetic sociocultural and environmental factors in a given region dictates its presentation Various etiological factors including smoking alcohol nitrates and Helicobacter pylori infection have been proposed as causative factors for gastric cancerrdquo Dr Harish Verma Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram told IANSThe high incidence of local and distant recurrence even in patients with completely resectable gastric cancer indicates the systemic spread of cancer very early in the disease thus emphasising the need for multimodality treatment including surgery radiotherapy and chemotherapy for treating the diseaseldquoWorldwide and more so in the developed world there has been a decline in the incidence of gastric cancer and this has been attributed to improved food hygiene sanitation and food preservation techniques However this declining trend has not been seen in certain parts of India Differences in some dietary patterns and use of tobacco and alcohol have been considered as potential risk factorsrdquo Verma saidThe health experts called for improving the dietary habits along with avoidance of preserved food and healthy lifestyle change to curb the incidence of stomach cancer They also stressed the need for eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables minimising processed and preserved foods quitting smoking moderating alcohol intake and scheduling regular medical checkups particularly for those with a family history or concerning symptomsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever