Stomach Cancer

September 17, 2014 admin Cancer

Stomach cancer remains one of the most common forms of cancer. However, the worldwide incidence of stomach cancer has declined rapidly over recent decades. Part of the decline may be due to awareness and treatment of helicobacter infection. The increased use of refrigerators in recent decades has improved the storage of food and means that fresh food and vegetables (a valuable source of antioxidants important for cancer prevention) are more easily available. It has also led to a reduction in bacterial and fungal contamination, as well as salt-based preservation of food.

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Symptoms to suggest stomach cancer include vague discomfort in the abdomen, loss of appetite, indigestion, heartburn or ulcer-like symptoms, a sense of fullness after eating a small meal, nausea, vomiting and abdominal swelling. Unfortunately, stomach cancer usually has no symptoms until the later stages. The optimal treatment of stomach cancer is the subject of ongoing research and usually involves some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Causes of Stomach Cancer

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown. However, cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse increase the risk of stomach cancer. Dietary factors implicated in stomach cancer include a high-salt, processed-food diet with little fresh fruit and vegetables. Processed foods often contain nitrates, which can then be converted in the body to nitrosamines – potentially potent carcinogens. Stomach cancer is twice as common in men as in Female viagra Australia. Infection of the stomach with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is an important risk factor for stomach cancer.

Prevention of Stomach Cancer

As well as general advice regarding not smoking and not abusing alcohol, it is important to eat a good diet: one rich in fresh fruit, vegetables and beans, and with plenty of wholegrain breads and pasta. Processed foods and smoked foods should be avoided. As a man you should consider getting yourself tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori.

What Is Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)?

H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach, which (along with acid secretion) can damage the stomach and part of the bowel known as the duodenum. It is the leading cause of ulcers. It was discovered by an Australian medical student in 1991 – quite a breakthrough as up until then nothing was thought to be able to live in the strongly acidic environment of the stomach. It is not known what causes certain people to develop H. pylori. In recent years it has been shown to be a risk factor for stomach cancer and is now classified as a carcinogen. Therefore it is worth getting tested for it and treated. Most people will never have symptoms or problems related to H. pylori infection. When symptoms are present, they may include a multitude of stomach-related symptoms, including heartburn, bloating and wind, as well as tummy discomfort, which may be relieved by eating. Always consult your doctor to have your symptoms evaluated.

The presence of Helicobacter pylori can be diagnosed either by a blood test or by having a gastroscopy, in which a thin flexible tube with a light source is inserted into the stomach to view its inner lining. A sample of tissue can be removed and an on-the-spot test, known as the urease test, can be done to diagnose the presence of Helicobacter. Urease is an enzyme made by the H. pylori bug. Another option is the hydrogen breath test where you blow into a hydrogen-based machine. H. pylori can be successfully treated and eradicated in most cases with a short course of antibiotics combined with a tablet to turn off the acid tap in the stomach. These tests can also be done to ensure proof of cure after treatment to make sure the bug is gone.