Stomach Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Breaking the Silence on a Silent Killer

Observed every year during November, Stomach Cancer Awareness month is a global healthcare event that aims to spread awareness about stomach cancer, which is considered one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to its often silent progression. That’s primarily because the symptoms of stomach cancer, such as bloating, indigestion, and mild stomach discomfort are often dismissed as minor issues, which delays diagnosis and treatment. Stomach Cancer Awareness Month aims to break this pattern by debunking myths around it, raising awareness about its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection. By spreading knowledge, we can empower individuals to take proactive steps in protecting their health and potentially save lives.

History of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

Stomach Cancer Awareness month was first observed in 2010 in the US, by an Non-profit organisation - ‘No Stomach for Cancer’. The organisation was founded by Karen Chelcun Schreiber, a stomach cancer survivor with a family history of the disease. The objective behind dedicating a month to the disease was to educate, advocate, and provide support for affected individuals. The month also aims to raise visibility of stomach cancer’s impact, which is under-recognised compared to more widely known cancers such as breast or prostate cancer.

Since its inception, Stomach Cancer Awareness Month has gained momentum at a global level, with various healthcare organisations, patient advocacy groups, and cancer research institutions joining hands to promote educational campaigns, facilitate screenings, and encourage research funding.

Debunking Common Myths about Stomach Cancer

Debunking myths about Gastric Cancer is important to address common misconceptions about stomach cancer that may prevent people from understanding the risks, symptoms, and need for early intervention. Here are some common myths debunked about gastric cancer:

Myth: Only old age people are at risk.

Fact: Although this type of cancer is mostly diagnosed in people above 50 years of age, younger people are also now getting diagnosed with gastric cancer and the number of such cases is increasing with every passing day.

Myth: Persistent indigestion or bloating is harmless.

Fact: While these symptoms may look normal as many people experience bloating and indigestion in their day to day lives, chronic indigestion, bloating, or discomfort could indicate underlying health issues, including early-stage gastric cancer.

Myth: Family history is the only risk factor.

Fact: While family history of gastric cancer does increase the risk, there are several lifestyle factors, such as high salted and smoked food diet, H. pylori infection, and smoking that can significantly increase one’s risk of developing stomach cancer.

Myth: Stomach cancer is too rare to worry about.

Fact: Considering the increasing number of cases of gastric cancer, especially in young adults, it would be wise to say that this type of cancer is not a rare disease anymore. If the latest data is to be believed, gastric cancer is considered one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide, especially in countries like East Asia, Central, and South America.

Myth: Only smoking and alcohol use increase the risk of gastric cancer.

Fact: While smoking and alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of gastric cancer, there are also various other factors, such as high-salt diets, certain preserved foods, and exposure to H. pylori bacteria that could lead to gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is a vital opportunity to educate communities, advocate for early detection, and support those affected by this disease. Raising awareness about symptoms, lifestyle risks, and the importance of screenings can save lives by helping people recognize early warning signs. If you or someone you know is at risk, don’t wait to seek guidance. Max Hospitals offers comprehensive stomach cancer screenings and specialised care to provide the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stomach Cancer

1. What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when malignant cells start to grow within the inner lining (mucosa) of the stomach. It typically begins in the stomach, and if left undiagnosed at an early stage, can spread to adjacent tissues, organs, and lymph nodes.

2. What are the types of stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer or gastric cancer can be classified into various types depending on the site of origin and its histological characteristics. The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma comprising more than 90% of all stomach cancer cases, which originates from the glandular cells of the stomach lining. Other less common types of gastric cancer include lymphoma, which is less common accounting for 4% of all stomach cancer cases, affects the immune system tissues in the stomach, and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), which arise from stomach’s connective tissue.

3. What are the warning signs & symptoms of stomach cancer?

While most of the warning signs and symptoms of stomach cancer can be similar to the symptoms of other common stomach problems, such as virus or stomach ulcer, there are some key warning signs and symptoms to look out for stomach/gastric cancer.

Warning signs:

• Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food

Symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Difficulty swallowing
• Burping a lot
• Black stool
• Fatigue and weakness
• Anaemia
• Heartburn
• Abdominal enlargement

4. What are the causes of stomach cancer?

While the exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing it, such as:

Helicobacter pylori Infection

This bacterium is a major risk factor of gastric cancer, primarily due to its impact on the stomach’s lining and the resulting changes in cellular behaviour. The H. pylori often leads to chronic gastritis and increases the likelihood of developing stomach cancer over time.

Dietary habits

A diet high in sodium and smoked food and low in fresh fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of gastric cancer. The diet high in nitrites and nitrates, found usually in processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, and ham, can also increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Obesity

Various studies show that obesity can increase the risk of stomach cancer, potentially through its association with other conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus. In addition, obesity can also lead to altered levels of hormones, such as insulin and oestrogen, which can promote cancer development.

Age and gender

The risk of developing gastric/stomach cancer increases with age and is more common in men than in women. As individuals age, the cells in the stomach lining undergo various changes, including the accumulation of genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. Also, with age the process of cellular regeneration slows down, increasing the likelihood of malignant transformations of the cells.

Genetic and Family history

Individuals with a family history of stomach/gastric cancer or certain inherited genetic conditions are at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer. In stomach cancer, one notable inherited condition is hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, which is often linked to mutations in the CDH1 gene. Individuals with this mutation have a significantly increased risk of developing gastric cancer at a younger age and may also be predisposed to lobular breast cancer.

Smoking

Smoking tobacco can significantly increase the risk of developing stomach cancer, as the harmful chemicals in tobacco can damage the stomach lining.

Alcohol consumption

Heavy drinking can also be a cause of stomach cancer due to its negative effect on the stomach’s lining and potential nutritional deficiencies it may cause.

5. Can Stomach Cancer be Prevented?

While there is no guarantee to prevent stomach cancer completely, there are several effective strategies that can significantly reduce the risk:

• Timely treatment of H.pylori infection
• Adopting a healthy diet
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular medical check-ups

6. When to see a doctor?

If you experience any symptoms that could indicate stomach cancer, it’s important to consult a doctor promptly, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen over time. Early detection is crucial, as symptoms are often vague in the early stages but can indicate more serious issues if they persist. In short, consider seeing a doctor, if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the warning signs and symptoms of stomach cancer.