How to Prevent or Lower Your Risk of Stomach Cancer

Stomach (or gastric) cancer has several known risk factors, some of which are unfortunately out of our control. While it is normal to feel concerned and worried about developing the disease, you can take action to lower your gastric cancer risk. This article will explore various ways to lower your chances of developing gastric cancer.

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when abnormal cells within the stomach grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors capable of spreading to other parts of the body.

Overall incidence rates of gastric cancer in the United States have been declining for the last fifty years. However, it does not mean you aren’t at risk of contracting the disease. While there is no sure way to prevent gastric cancer, here are some things you can do to lower your risk.

Maintain a healthy diet

Nutrition plays a major role in the prevention and management of gastric cancer. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a protective effect against gastric cancer, which can be attributed to their high levels of vitamins with antioxidant effects and anticancer activities. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons that are high in vitamin C may be especially helpful as they are able to enhance your immune response.

Decreasing your salt intake can also lower your chances of developing gastric cancer. A high salt intake strips the stomach lining and can promote infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This can cause chronic inflammation in the inner layer of the stomach wall and lead to the development of precancerous tissue. Therefore, reducing your consumption of salt or salt-preserved foods is crucial if you want to avoid gastric cancer.

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol use

Smoking and consuming too much alcohol are two significant risk factors for many types of cancer, including cancers of the stomach. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you cease smoking and limit your alcohol use. If you need assistance to quit smoking or reduce alcohol consumption, please consult a doctor who can provide you with professional help. A doctor can suggest lifestyle changes and develop a plan to make the transition easier.

Treat Helicobacter pylori infections promptly

Helicobacter pylori is a type of gut bacteria that infects the stomach lining and can cause severe, chronic inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). It is transmitted via the oral-oral or fecal-oral route and many people catch the bug through contaminated food and water.

Infection with H. pylori is the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer. Studies have shown that people who are infected with H. pylori are eight times more likely to develop non-cardia gastric cancer. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a Class I (definite) carcinogen.

Eradication of H. pylori with antibiotics can significantly reduce your risk of developing gastric cancer. If you exhibit symptoms typical of an H. pylori infection, please see your doctor immediately. They can prescribe antibiotics to treat your condition.

> Find out more about the role of H. pylori in the development of gastric cancer

Getting genetic testing if you are at increased risk

Hereditary cancer syndromes are genetic disorders that put you at a higher risk of certain types of cancer. They are caused by mutations (changes or alterations) in specific genes passed from parents to children.

Some hereditary cancer syndromes that are linked with an increased risk of gastric cancer are Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and most notably, hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). HDGC is a rare genetic condition most often caused by an inherited mutation in the CDH1 gene.

If you have two or more close relatives with gastric cancer (usually the diffuse type) and/or at least one person in your family who has been diagnosed with gastric cancer before 50, you might have HDGC. In this case, please seek a genetics professional to receive genetic testing immediately. This will determine if you have a mutation in the CDH1 gene.

If you indeed have this genetic mutation, doctors will likely recommend that you consider having your stomach surgically removed in a procedure called a prophylactic total gastrectomy. While this is a major operation, it will help to manage your risk of developing gastric cancer in the future.

If you feel that you may be at risk of developing gastric cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional will be able to provide you with relevant advice on what steps to take next to ensure your health and well-being.