Stomach Cancer

Causes and Symptoms

• Bacteria infection: Infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seems to be a major cause of stomach cancer. Long-term infection with this germ may lead to inflammation and pre-cancer changes to the inner layer of the stomach. This germ is also linked to ulcers and some types of lymphoma of the stomach. But most people who carry this germ in their stomachs never get cancer.
• Diet: An increased risk of stomach cancer is seen in people with diets high in smoked foods, salted fish and meats, and pickled vegetables. On the other hand, eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A and C seems to lower the risk of stomach cancer.
• Tobacco use: Smoking about doubles the risk of stomach cancer.
• Obesity: Being very overweight (obese) is a possible cause of cancers of the upper part of the stomach.
• Stomach lymphoma: People who have been treated for a certain type of stomach lymphoma have an increased risk of getting carcinoma of the stomach. This is probably because this stomach lymphoma is caused by infection with H. pylori.
• Gender: Stomach cancer is more common in men than in women.
• Age: There is a sharp increase in stomach cancer after age 50. Most people are between their late 60s and 80s when their cancer is found.
• Ethnicity: In the United States, stomach cancer is more common in Hispanic Americans and African Americans than in non-Hispanic whites. It is most common in Asian/Pacific Islanders.
• Where a person lives: Where you live is a factor. Stomach cancer is most common in Japan, China, Southern and Eastern Europe, and South and Central America. This disease is less common in Northern and Western Africa, South Central Asia, and North America.
• Earlier stomach surgery: Stomach cancer is more likely to be found in people who have had part of their stomach removed to treat other problems like ulcers.
• Pernicious anemia: In this disease, the stomach doesn't make enough of a protein that allows the body to absorb vitamin B12 from foods. This can lead to a shortage of red blood cells (anemia) and other problems. Patients with this disease also have an increased risk of stomach cancer.
• Menetrier disease: This rare disease involves changes in the stomach lining that might be linked to a risk of stomach cancer.
• Type A blood: For unknown reasons, people with type A blood have a higher risk of getting stomach cancer.
• Certain cancer syndromes: A syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that point to a disease or condition. A number of syndromes that result from gene changes (mutations) can increase the risk of stomach cancer in people who have them. (These syndromes include hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis, and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.)
• Family history: People with close relatives (parents, siblings, and children) who have had stomach cancer are more likely to get this disease.
• Some types of stomach polyps: Polyps are benign growths on the lining of the stomach. Most polyps do not increase the risk of stomach cancer. But one type (called adenomatous polyps or adenomas) sometimes change into stomach cancer.
• Epstein-Barr virus: This virus causes "mono" (infectious mononucleosis). It has been found in the stomach cancers of some people. It isn't yet clear if this virus causes stomach cancer, just that the virus has been found in stomach cancer cells.
• Certain types of work: Workers in the coal, metal, and rubber industries seem to have a higher risk of getting stomach cancer.
• Immune weakness: People with an immune problem called common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have an increased risk of stomach cancer. The immune system of someone with CVID can’t make enough antibodies in response to germs. People with CVID have frequent infections as well as other problems. They are also more likely to get gastric lymphoma and stomach cancer.
• Failure to accept the situation can trigger stomach cancer (see Mind/Body Approaches).

Home remedies

• Patients suffering from stomach cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.
• Frequent consumption of mushrooms decreased the risk of Breast Cancer, Stomach Cancer and Colon Cancer.
• Epidemiological studies have found that increased consumption of Allium vegetables (onions, garlic, leeks and scallions) is associated with lower risk of gastric Cancer and prostate Cancer.
• Sulforaphane, a powerful compound in cabbage, clobbers H. pylori (the bacteria that causes gastric and peptic ulcers) before it can get to your gut, and may even help inhibit the growth of gastric tumors.
• beet juice is an astonishingly effective treatment for leukemia and other cancers : betanin pigments can impede tumor cell growth in tissues throughout the body, including the colon, stomach, nerves, lungs, breast, prostate, testicles.
• turmeric inhibits the growth of the H. Pylori bacteria, one of the causes of colon and gastric cancer. It has also been known to help fight Prostate Cancer.
• Essiac Tea
• Bromelain is a sulfur-containing enzyme found in bromeliad plants like the pineapple. Sipping pineapple juice regularly, says Acu-Cell.com, can be an effective treatment against H. pylori infection.
• Green Tea prevents cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, including cancers of the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and colon; lung cancer, estrogen-related cancers, including most breast cancers; and prostate cancer.
• Grape seed extracts may prevent the growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells in test tubes.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.