Shocking Truths About Stomach Cancer Most People Don't Know

Stomach cancer begins when cancer cells start growing beyond control in the stomach. It is also known as gastric cancer that can form anywhere in the stomach. Stomach cancer begins in the stomach lining approximately 95% of the time and then expands gradually. If it goes undetected or untreated, it can build into a mass or tumour and grow deeper into the stomach walls. The tumour can also spread to surrounding organs such as liver and pancreas.

The stomach is one of the most important organs of the digestive system that helps in breaking down food and absorbing key nutrients. The innermost layer of the stomach, known as mucosa, is where stomach cancer begins. There are various types of stomach cancers and adenocarcinoma is one of the most prevalent forms of stomach cancers. Adenocarcinoma accounts for nearly 90 to 95% of all cases. It originates within the glandular cells of the stomach lining. The less common types of stomach cancers are gastrointestinal stromal tumours, carcinoid tumours, and lymphomas.

Recently, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford, took to his Instagram account and shared some shocking truths about stomach cancer that most people do not realise:

Stomach Cancer Warning Signs

1. H.pylori: Dr Saurabh Sethi said, “H.pylori infects approximately 44% of the global population –  the number one cause of stomach cancer  most people never get tested for. A large number of individuals never get tested as they often mistake initial signs and symptoms for simple indigestion. ¹You must visit a gastroenterologist in case you face persistent symptoms like chronic indigestion, persistent heartburn, abdominal pain, gnawing discomfort, frequent bloating, excessive belching, unexplained nausea, feeling full instantly, and unexplained weight loss.

2. 5th Most Common Cancer: “Stomach cancer is the 5^th most common cancer worldwide, yet stomach cancer symptoms are often silent until late stage,” revealed Dr Sethi. Meanwhile, when it comes to India, stomach cancer has emerged 7^th most common cancer accounting for approximately 4.6% of new cases. It is one of the most prevalent cancers when it comes to males especially in regions like Northeast.  

3. High-Salt Diet Increases Cancer Risk: High-salt diets increase stomach cancer risk by up to 41%, divulged the AIIMS-trained gut doctor. High sodium intake does not directly cause cancer, but it starts a harmful chain reaction in your stomach. Excessive salt physically harms the stomach’s protective lining or mucosa.

This damage can make the stomach highly susceptible to H.pylori bacterial infection, a leading cause of stomach cancer. High salt concentrations enhance the formation of mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds in the stomach.  

4. Smoking Enhances Risk: Smoking increases stomach cancer risk by approximately 50%. Most patients never connect the two, noted the gut doctor. According to a study featured in National Library of Medicine, epidemiological research indicates that smoking increases stomach (gastric) cancer risk by approximately 50% to 100% (a 1.5 to 2.0-fold increase) compared to people who have never smoked. ²

5. Screening Strategies: Only approximately 30% of U.S. cases are caught early – compared to 60-70% in Japan and Korea, where routine screening saves lives. The inequality in early cancer detection (such as for gastric cancer) is mainly due to differences in routine screening strategies. Nations such as Japan and Korea mandate nationwide, population-wide endoscopic screening programs for at-risk demographics, catching 60% to 70% of cases early. On the contrary, the U.S. lacks widespread routine screening, catching just nearly 30% of cases early.

6. Ultra-Processed Meat Consumption: High ultra-processed meat intake raises stomach cancer risk by up to 57%. Ultra-processed meats frequently use chemical preservatives such as nitrates and nitrites. During digestion or cooking, these compounds can form N-nitroso compounds, which are known carcinogens capable of damaging stomach lining cells. Also, high concentrations of salt, commonly used to cure processed meat, can inflame the stomach lining and raise the susceptibility to carcinogens and bacteria.  

7. Family History: First-degree relatives of stomach cancer patients have 1.5-3.5x higher risk – family history matters more than most realize. This familial aggregation is triggered by a combination of shared genetics (like CDH1 gene mutations), shared environmental factors, and an increased possibility of passing on H. pylori infections.

FAQs

References

1. National Library of Medicine|Tobacco Smoking and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk

2. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford|Shocking Truths About Stomach Cancer Most People Don't Realize
   

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.