Mumbai doctors on why you need to take this 'silent menace' seriously even if it has a low incidence rate

Cancer has become a part and parcel of our lives. Every other day we hear somebody being diagnosed with cancer of the lungs, liver or pancreas. While the incidence of stomach cancer is low, Mumbai experts believe people shouldn't take it lightly especially because it can be lurking in common stomach problems, and you may not even know.

Every year, people around the world observe November as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. This year, the theme is ‘Building Your Community' as it emphasises the collective strength and support for those suffering from the form of cancer by creating more awareness about it. While smoking and drinking alcohol excessively have been linked to disease, there are many other factors.

To know more, mid-day.com spoke to Dr Tirathram Kaushik, consultant Onco-surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road to understand more about the cancer. They not only share causes that are known to lead to cancer but also highlight signs and symptoms. At the same time, he stresses the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle and pay attention to any discomfort.

1. What is stomach cancer and how does one get it?
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, starts in the cells lining the stomach and might progress unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. You have most likely heard about H.Pylori bacteria; it resides comfortably in our digestive tract causing peptic ulcers which over time can grow cancerous. On the other hand, consuming processed foods rich in nitrates/nitrites transforms healthy cells into malignant ones.

2. What are the causes of stomach cancer?
Certain behaviours such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake have been closely linked to this malignant disease. Additionally, diet plays an equally pivotal role. A diet high in smoked, pickled, and salted foods and low in fresh fruit and vegetables can lead to this type of cancer. It's the need of the hour to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Even a previously undiagnosed Helicobacter pylori infection could trigger a mutation in your stomach cells over time leading to gastric carcinoma.

3. What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer?
Unexplained weight loss can also mark the onset of stomach cancer. Other warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention include severe anemia caused by bleeding in the stomach and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Remember, early detection significantly enhances survival chances. Do not ignore the symptoms at all.

4. When should one go to an expert for a diagnosis?
Having repeated stomach discomfort, which may include symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting can wear you mentally and physically. It's not just about dismissing these as common gastric problems or stress. These could be your body's cry for help signaling something major such as stomach cancer. When over-the-counter medications or lifestyle changes do no good to ease these recurring symptoms, the only sensible step is to consult an expert. Furthermore, if there is a history of stomach cancer in your family, being proactive on regular check-ups should be a priority.

5. Which age group and gender is most affected by stomach cancer?
People above 55 years are at risk of suffering from stomach cancer. All genders, including males and females, can suffer from this type of cancer.

6. What are the effects of stomach cancer?
The noticeable symptoms like loss of appetite, and sudden weight loss might appear harmless initially but are often warnings. In extreme cases, vomiting, indigestion, and discomfort in swallowing might act as alarming signs of this cancer.

7. What are the treatments available for stomach cancer?
While traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy remain as frontline options to manage it. With the help of robotics, some surgeons execute highly technical and precise surgical interventions using robotic-assisted platforms offering minimal invasiveness compared to conventional surgeries. Remember that your doctor will decide on an appropriate line of treatment for you.

8. Do you think there is enough awareness of stomach cancer in India? How many people are known to suffer from it in the country?
A large number of people are battling with this cancer in the country. Despite India's notable strides in the arena of healthcare, awareness about stomach cancer or gastric cancer fails to meet optimal levels. There remains an unfortunate deficit in widespread knowledge about its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options. In India where diverse food habits intersect with lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions resulting in complex health impacts, understanding stomach cancer becomes crucial. Bringing this silent menace into more conversations will help dissipate the stigma associated with this disease while information dissemination can empower people with potentially life-saving information.

9. Does a change in diet help keep the stomach in check and prevent cancer?
Several studies indicate a strong link between diet changes and improved gut health, potentially helping to reduce cancer risks. A high-fibre, plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can significantly bolster gut health by improving digestion and fostering a healthy microbiome - the millions of microorganisms that inhabit our digestive tract. These microscopic allies aid in breaking down food compounds, some of which may have anti-cancer properties. Limiting intake of processed and sugar-laden foods might lower one's susceptibility to cancers associated with the stomach or digestive system.

10. Why should people take stomach cancer seriously?
Stomach cancer is often overlooked because of its relatively low incidence rate in comparison to other types of cancer. Despite advances in medical technology and treatment options, detecting this elusive disease remains a challenge due to its asymptomatic nature in its early stages. This contributes greatly to delayed diagnosis making stomach cancer difficult to treat effectively. It's high time we bring about awareness of stomach cancer and stress upon regular medical screenings for high-risk people to improve their quality of life.