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Understanding and Addressing Stomach Cancer in India

Stomach cancer, a significant contributor to new cancer cases globally, presents a challenging public health concern in India. With its impact on numerous lives, there’s an urgent need for heightened awareness and preventive measures

Stomach Cancer Accounts for 4.8% For overall Cancer cases in India salted tea, pickled food, rice intake, spicy food, soda (additive of food), tobacco and alcohol as risk factors for gastric cancer

Risk Factors Responsible for Gastric cancer in india

Gastric cancer risk factors in India encompass geographical variations, with higher incidences in specific regions. Lifestyle elements such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary habits, including the intake of preserved foods, rice, and chili, have been identified as contributors. Mizoram stands out with a notably high prevalence linked to local practices like meiziol smoking and the use of tobacco smoke-infused water (Tuibur). The role of Helicobacter pylori infection is also emphasized. Recognizing these factors is vital for targeted prevention and improved management strategies for gastric cancer in the Indian population.

Preventive Measures:

Preventive measures involve lifestyle modifications and awareness initiatives. These include promoting healthier dietary choices, reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption, and encouraging regular screenings, particularly in regions with higher incidence rates. Emphasizing the importance of addressing Helicobacter pylori infection and improving overall food hygiene can contribute to lowering the risk. Collaborative efforts within the scientific community are crucial to conduct targeted research and develop effective preventive strategies, aiming

Early Detection and Screening:

Early detection of gastric cancer is crucial for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes. In India, where stomach cancer remains a significant health concern, efforts toward early diagnosis are essential. Currently, there is a lack of large-scale screening programs for gastric cancer in the country. While endoscopy has been tested as a screening tool in other regions, challenges such as complications and the need for trained personnel hinder its feasibility for widespread use in India. Non-invasive serological tests like serum pepsinogen and occult blood bead tests show promise, but their effectiveness in detecting the diverse types of gastric cancers needs further evaluation. Additionally, mass eradication of Helicobacter pylori, a significant risk factor, has been proposed as an alternative to screening. Developing and implementing effective early detection strategies, tailored to the Indian context, is crucial for addressing the burden of stomach cancer in the country and improving patient outcomes.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, particularly in its early stages, often presents few noticeable symptoms. In regions where routine screening is not commonplace, such as the United States, detection typically occurs when the cancer is more advanced or has spread beyond the stomach. When symptoms do arise, they may include a diminished appetite, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, vague discomfort above the navel, early satiety after small meals, heartburn, nausea, vomiting (potentially with blood), abdominal swelling, blood in the stool, fatigue from anemia, and jaundice if the cancer spreads to the liver. While these symptoms could stem from various causes, it is crucial for individuals experiencing persistent or worsening issues to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and potential treatment.

Treatment Options Available:

The treatment options for gastric cancer depend on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the specific characteristics of the tumor. Here is an overview of common treatment modalities:

Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is a common approach, especially in the early stages of gastric cancer. The extent of surgery may involve removing part or all of the stomach (gastrectomy), nearby lymph nodes, and sometimes surrounding tissues.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors, after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, or as a primary treatment for advanced stages.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It may be employed before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells. In some cases, it can also be combined with chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target cancer cells, often with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. These therapies may focus on specific proteins or pathways involved in cancer growth.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. While still being researched for gastric cancer, immunotherapy has shown promise in some cases.
Palliative Care: For advanced stages or cases where a cure is not possible, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing emotional support.

The choice of treatment is highly individualized and may involve a combination of these modalities. Multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, collaborate to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific situation. Regular follow-up care is crucial to monitor the response to treatment and manage any potential side effects.

Leading Hospital For Lung Cancer Treatments in India

Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon

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Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/

Helpline Number: 1800 3000 3333

Nanavati Max Hospital Mumbai

Nanavati Max Hospital

Helpline Number: +91 22 6836 0000 +9

GMoney extends support to hospitals and healthcare professionals dedicated to stomach cancer care. Let’s raise awareness, advocate for screenings, and stand united with those on their journey to recovery. 💛🍽️ #StomachCancerAwareness #EarlyDetectionSavesLives

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10231735/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3124983/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3124986/

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

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Understanding and Addressing Stomach Cancer in India

Risk Factors Responsible for Gastric cancer in india

Preventive Measures:

Early Detection and Screening:

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Treatment Options Available:

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