Stomach cancer. These are two words no one wants to hear. While it’s rare in the United States, it’s one of the most common and most deadly cancers worldwide. And just because it’s ‘rare’ doesn’t mean you can ignore it, thousands of new cases occur every year in the U.S and thousands of Americans die from it. But researchers are working hard to make those two words just a little less scary.
In fact, a recent study performed by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital identified two proteins that may predict how well patients with stomach cancer may recover. During treatment, doctors may not know how aggressively to pursue the cancer. The most common treatment for stomach cancer is surgery, which often involves a partial or full removal of the stomach. Obviously, the more extensive surgical options can seriously affect your quality of life after the surgery. And then, there are other types of treatment that may go along with surgery, such as chemotherapy. The results of this study may help doctors determine what treatments the patient needs right away, without resorting to more aggressive treatment than you really need.
While the average person only has about a one in 100 chance of developing stomach cancer, it was once a leading cause of cancer deaths in America. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why it’s become rare, but many suspect that improved food storage, refrigeration, and changing trends in American diets may be responsible. Increased antibiotic use in children may also be a factor.
The truth is, the only unpleasant part of the test is the preparation. It’s important to clear the way for the colonoscope in advance, so you’ll have to follow the doctor’s instructions about taking laxatives. But dutifully following though with the preparation will likely mean it’ll be a decade before you need to schedule another colonoscopy.
The causes of stomach cancer are not fully understood. It is strongly linked to common stomach bacteria, but the vast majority of people infected with these bacteria never develop stomach cancer. This type of cancer is more common in men than women, and risk for developing it increases after age 50. A diet high in salted fish and meats, smoked foods and pickled vegetables also appears to increase your risk, while whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables seem to lower that risk. People of Asian or Pacific Islander descent seem to have the highest risk, and Hispanics and African Americans have higher risks than non-Hispanic whites. People who work in the coal, metal and rubber industries also appear to be at increased risk. Other risk factors include tobacco use, a family history of stomach cancer, obesity, previous stomach surgery, and certain medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia.
Stomach cancer has a high fatality rate and is difficult to cure once it reaches advanced stages. However, when detected early, the five-year survival rate more than doubles. The catch? There are often no symptoms in the early stages, and, when there are symptoms, they often resemble those of your standard stomach flu. Even your doctor isn’t likely to realise you have stomach cancer when your worst symptoms are indigestion, nausea and heartburn.
Screening can help. Since stomach cancer is rare in the United States, experts don’t recommend that everyone be tested regularly. However, if you have a high risk, whether that’s due to your diet, previous medical history, or other risk factors, screening can make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about your risk for stomach cancer, and the benefits of screening. It could save your life.
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