Introduction
Cancer of the stomach, referred to as gastric cancer, is a form of cancer that develops in the stomach lining. It is the third most common cancer in men and the fifth most common cancer in women in Malaysia. In Malaysia, the incidence of stomach cancer has been increasing over the last few decades (Lim & Palayan, 2019).
While the exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, some risk factors have been identified, including alcohol consumption, H. pylori infection, smoking, and dietary factors. People with a family history of stomach cancer may be at a higher risk (Rawla & Barsouk, 2019). Some typical symptoms are persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, and blood in the stool or vomit. To prevent the risk of developing stomach cancer, it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoid tobacco use, get tested and treated for H. pylori infection, and undergo regular cancer screenings. Stomach cancer is a serious condition in Malaysia that requires attention and adoption of practical strategies that can mitigate it.
Causes of Stomach Cancer
Even though the precise cause of stomach cancer is not known, certain risk factors can raise an individual’s likelihood of developing the disease. Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is one of the most well-known risk factors for stomach cancer (Saini et al., 2020). Diet has become one of the most well-known risk factors for various cancers. Fats and processed foods promote inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, damaging the cells in the stomach lining and leading to an increased risk of cancer.
The use of sugar and salt causes stomach cancer. Salts damage the cells in the stomach lining. Excessive use of salt results in the growth of gastric polyps in the stomach that become cancerous (Mounsey & Leonard, 2019).
Excessive consumption of sugar causes obesity, which is a risk factor for the development of stomach cancer (Downs et al., 2020). Sugary foods and drinks cause insulin resistance and lead to chronic inflammation in the body, resulting in stomach cancer (Ferro et al., 2020). A proper diet is recommended to avoid diseases and disorders that may attack our bodies.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Symptoms of stomach cancer vary greatly depending on the stage and where it is located in the stomach. The following are the most common symptoms of stomach cancer: indigestion, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, and abdominal pain (Lim & Palayan, 2019). These symptoms cause stomach swelling, interfere with normal digestion, and cause discomfort (Vishi et al., 2021). To reduce the effect of stomach cancer, early detection and treatment are required to improve a person’s survival chances
Risks of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a condition that involves risks that result in the condition’s escalation. Tobacco use, including smoking and exposure to smoke, increases the risk of stomach cancer. The risk of stomach cancer is increased when there is increased consumption of preserved foods that contain salt.
The use of alcohol increases the risk of cancer. It causes inflammation in the stomach, leading to cancer development over time (Song et al., 2019). This is likely due to the effects of alcohol on the immune system, which can trigger an immune response in the stomach.
Prevalence of Stomach Cancer
Age
A growing body of evidence shows that the age factor is associated with stomach cancer. Studies have revealed that stomach cancer is a common infection among Malaysian adults and the most common cancer among older adults aged 60 to 69 years(Lim & Palayan, 2019). This is because their stomach walls thin and become more easily damaged as people age. Older people experience an increased prevalence of risk factors such as poor diet, tobacco use, and H. pylori infection, which can lead to stomach cancer (Lim & Palayan, 2019). The change in age weakens the immune system by decreasing the activity and functionality of immune cells, like the T cells, which help identify and destroy cancer cells.
Gender
Gender plays a role in stomach cancer risk since cancer affects both men and women. According to a study conducted in Malaysia, most cases of stomach cancer are related to men. The study discovered that men had the highest rate of stomach cancer among adults aged 50 and up (9.9 per 100,000 population), and women had the lowest (5.5 per 100,000 population). The research showed that the age group with the highest incidence rate of stomach cancer for both genders was 70-79 (Lim & Palayan, 2019). The difference in the prevalence of stomach cancer in men is related to hormonal differences, whereby high testosterone levels in men have been linked to the risk of infection.
Race
There are differences in the incidence of stomach cancer among different races. The prevalence of cancer is higher in Indians, with more than 50% of reported cases related to Indians (Goh, 2018). Approximately 40% to 50% of Chinese people suffer from the condition, while less than 20% of the reported cases are related to natives (Goh, 2018). The difference in the prevalence of stomach cancer among the Malaysian population is attributed to environmental factors and bacterial virulence (Cucinotta & Saganti, 2022). The prevalence of stomach cancer helps to adopt effective mitigation measures concerning certain races.
Prevention and Treatment
Stomach cancer is a fatal disease that requires effective prevention and treatment to mitigate its effects. For example, a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat, can help reduce the risk of stomach cancer (Ferro et al., 2020). Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption reduces the risk of stomach cancer.
Regular exercise is beneficial in lowering the risk of stomach cancer. Exercise aids in maintaining a healthy weight, lowering the risk of developing the condition (Ilic & Ilic, 2022). It is advisable to see a doctor regularly to take screening tests such as mammograms and colonoscopies, which help detect cancer (Zahidin et al., 2022). Patients are advised to get vaccinated, which reduces the risk of the condition.
In cases where cancer is detected, appropriate treatment methods are critical for improving outcomes. Cancer treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy (Hani et al., 2022). The best course of treatment for a person with cancer will depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, and the person’s overall health and preferences
Types of Stomach Cancer
There are four types of stomach cancer: adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases (Mayo Clinic, 2018). It begins in the cells that line the innermost layer of the stomach and can spread to other organs. Adenocarcinoma is linked to Helicobacter pylori infection and lifestyle habits.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a cancer and is more common in young people. It forms in the muscles, connective tissues, and other cells of the stomach walls. Lymphomas are a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system and are more common in older adults. It can affect any part of the stomach and spread to other organs.
Neuroendocrine cancer is uncommon and develops in the stomach’s hormone-producing cells. It can spread to other organs, including the liver and lungs (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Some types are scarce and thus challenging to identify quickly.
Note. Stomach cancer comprises four types that includes. Adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors from Preventive Medicine and Cancer Care by M. Levandovsky, 2020.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stomach cancer is a fatal infection that is more common in Malaysia. Though the exact cause of the disease is unknown, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Age, gender, race, lifestyle factors, and family background are all risk factors for the disease.
Though there is no sure way to prevent stomach cancer, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and regular exercise are all recommended. Vaccines are also available to protect against certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that could significantly raise the risk of developing stomach cancer.
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