Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops from the inner lining of the stomach. It is generally the result of a genetic change that occurs in the cells, leading to continuous division of cells.
Factors influencing these genetic changes in stomach cells include:
GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. It’s diagnosed based on a history of signs and symptoms and a physical examination. To confirm a diagnosis of GERD or to check for complications, your doctor might recommend an upper endoscopy, ambulatory acid (pH) probe test, X-ray of the upper digestive system, esophageal manometry, or transnasal esophagoscopy,
Family history and stomach cancer: If you have first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) who have had stomach cancer, you are more likely to develop this disease. Specific gene mutations can cause family cancer syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome or hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, that increase your risk of stomach cancer.
Smoking and stomach cancer: Smoking is a risk factor for stomach cancer and other types of cancer in the digestive system. Smoking increases stomach cancer risk, particularly for cancers of the upper part of the stomach near the esophagus.
Obesity and stomach cancer: Obesity is a physical risk factor that increases the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma by contributing to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Being overweight or obese is linked with an increased risk of cancers of the cardia (the upper part of the stomach near the esophagus).
Increased intake of smoked and salted food: Consuming a diet high in smoked and salted foods can increase the risk of stomach cancer. These foods often contain carcinogenic substances that can damage the cells in the stomach lining, leading to cancer.
Reduced intake of fruits and vegetables: A diet low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help prevent damage to the cells in the stomach lining.
Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterium grows in the mucus layer coating the human stomach and is a significant risk factor for stomach cancer. Research shows that people who have chronic H. pylori infections have an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
Eating food contaminated by fungal toxins, especially aflatoxin: Aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain fungi, which can contaminate crops like peanuts and corn. Consuming food contaminated with aflatoxins can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Stomach polyps: Stomach polyps are growths that form on the stomach's inner lining. Some types of stomach polyps can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Pernicious anemia: This is a condition in which the body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn’t have enough vitamin B12. This can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Alcohol abuse: Chronic and heavy alcohol consumption can irritate the lining of your stomach, leading to inflammation and damage to the cells. Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks per day increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers.
It’s important to note that not everyone with these risk factors gets stomach cancer, so more research is needed to find out exactly what causes it. Most of the gene changes that lead to stomach cancer occur after birth. Some of these acquired mutations might be caused by risk factors such as H. pylori infection or tobacco use.
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