Mumbai doctors share why you need to take stomach cancer seriously

Cancer has become a part and parcel of our lives Every other day we hear somebody being diagnosed with cancer of the lungs liver or pancreas While the incidence of stomach cancer is low Mumbai experts believe people shouldnrsquot take it lightly especially because it can be lurking in common stomach problems and you may not even knowEvery year people around the world observe November as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month This year the theme is lsquoBuilding Your Communityrsquo as it emphasises the collective strength and support for those suffering from the form of cancer by creating more awareness about it While smoking and drinking alcohol excessively have been linked to disease there are many other factorsTo know more middaycom spoke to Dr Tirathram Kaushik consultant Oncosurgeon Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road to understand more about the cancer They not only share causes that are known to lead to cancer but also highlight signs and symptoms At the same time he stresses the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle and pay attention to any discomfort1 What is stomach cancer and how does one get itStomach cancer also known as gastric cancer starts in the cells lining the stomach and might progress unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage You have most likely heard about HPylori bacteria it resides comfortably in our digestive tract causing peptic ulcers which over time can grow cancerous On the other hand consuming processed foods rich in nitratesnitrites transforms healthy cells into malignant ones2 What are the causes of stomach cancerCertain behaviours such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake have been closely linked to this malignant disease Additionally diet plays an equally pivotal role A diet high in smoked pickled and salted foods and low in fresh fruit and vegetables can lead to this type of cancer Itrsquos the need of the hour to adopt a healthy lifestyle Even a previously undiagnosed Helicobacter pylori infection could trigger a mutation in your stomach cells over time leading to gastric carcinoma3 What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancerUnexplained weight loss can also mark the onset of stomach cancer Other warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention include severe anemia caused by bleeding in the stomach and dysphagia difficulty swallowing Remember early detection significantly enhances survival chances Do not ignore the symptoms at all4 When should one go to an expert for a diagnosisHaving repeated stomach discomfort which may include symptoms like unexplained weight loss persistent abdominal pain nausea and vomiting can wear you mentally and physically Its not just about dismissing these as common gastric problems or stress These could be your bodys cry for help signaling something major such as stomach cancer When overthecounter medications or lifestyle changes do no good to ease these recurring symptoms the only sensible step is to consult an expert Furthermore if there is a history of stomach cancer in your family being proactive on regular checkups should be a priority5 Which age group and gender is most affected by stomach cancerPeople above 55 years are at risk of suffering from stomach cancer All genders including males and females can suffer from this type of cancer6 What are the effects of stomach cancerThe noticeable symptoms like loss of appetite and sudden weight loss might appear harmless initially but are often warnings In extreme cases vomiting indigestion and discomfort in swallowing might act as alarming signs of this cancer7 What are the treatments available for stomach cancerWhile traditional treatments like surgery chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain as frontline options to manage it With the help of robotics some surgeons execute highly technical and precise surgical interventions using roboticassisted platforms offering minimal invasiveness compared to conventional surgeries Remember that your doctor will decide on an appropriate line of treatment for you8 Do you think there is enough awareness of stomach cancer in India How many people are known to suffer from it in the countryA large number of people are battling with this cancer in the country Despite Indias notable strides in the arena of healthcare awareness about stomach cancer or gastric cancer fails to meet optimal levels There remains an unfortunate deficit in widespread knowledge about its causes symptoms prevention strategies and treatment options In India where diverse food habits intersect with lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions resulting in complex health impacts understanding stomach cancer becomes crucial Bringing this silent menace into more conversations will help dissipate the stigma associated with this disease while information dissemination can empower people with potentially lifesaving information9 Does a change in diet help keep the stomach in check and prevent cancerSeveral studies indicate a strong link between diet changes and improved gut health potentially helping to reduce cancer risks A highfibre plantbased diet rich in fruits vegetables nuts seeds and whole grains can significantly bolster gut health by improving digestion and fostering a healthy microbiome the millions of microorganisms that inhabit our digestive tract These microscopic allies aid in breaking down food compounds some of which may have anticancer properties Limiting intake of processed and sugarladen foods might lower ones susceptibility to cancers associated with the stomach or digestive system10 Why should people take stomach cancer seriouslyStomach cancer is often overlooked because of its relatively low incidence rate in comparison to other types of cancer Despite advances in medical technology and treatment options detecting this elusive disease remains a challenge due to its asymptomatic nature in its early stages This contributes greatly to delayed diagnosis making stomach cancer difficult to treat effectively Itrsquos high time we bring about awareness of stomach cancer and stress upon regular medical screenings for highrisk people to improve their quality of life