Preventive Measures Of Stomach Cancer | CLINICAL AND CANCER RESOURCE EDUCATION UNIT (CCARE)
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Preventive Measures of Stomach Cancer

There is no absolute way that can prevent any individual from being diagnosed with the problem of stomach cancer.

However, the risk can be reduced through some preventive measures as follows.

  1. Lifestyle changes to a healthier one

    • Those who are overweight or obese are at high risk of getting stomach cancer. Maintain a healthy weight or maintain an ideal weight

    • Therefore, the key to the main solution to the problem is nutrition and physical activity.
      • Consumption of fruits and vegetables (not pickled) can lower the risk of stomach cancer as they contain high levels of antioxidants.
      • Reduce intake of foods high in salt.
      • Reduce intake of processed foods because additives in those foods can often increase the risk of cancer.

    • Apart from that, alcohol should also be avoided as it is able to increase the risk of stomach cancer.

    • Physical activity and exercise should be done regularly to ensure your health is at an optimal level.

    • The recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) is for each individual to perform moderate intensity activity for at least 150 minutes a week.

    • Seek medical attention if you always have gastric problems

  2. Avoid smoking

    Smoking and the use of tobacco products for other purposes can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

    This habit is the cause of many types of cancer around the world.

    If you need professional help to quit smoking, consult the nearest health center.

  3. Treat Helicobacter pylori infection


    Although experts are still unclear regarding the role of H. pylori bacteria in stomach cancer, treatment of the infection can help lower the risk.

    Since this bacterial infection does not show the same manifestations as other infections, there are several ways your doctor can make a confirmation.

    1. Blood tests to detect antibodies produced specifically to eradicate H pylori bacteria. These antibodies can signal that you are still infected with the bacteria or that you have been infected but have recovered.

    2. Urea exhalation test to confirm the presence of H pylori bacteria. Since the bacteria can produce the enzyme urease, it can convert urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide. Urea pills will be labeled with a specific isotope (Carbon-14 or Carbon-13) and will then be measured as patients exhale their breath. If there is such an isotope reading, the result is positive.

    3. Biopsy procedure (sampling of abdominal tissue) using endoscopic method. The tissue taken will be analyzed to see if there are H pylori bacteria.

  4. Genetic testing for at -risk individuals

    Individuals who have a family history of stomach cancer or have been diagnosed with inherited cancer syndrome (bowel cancer, breast cancer, Lynch syndrome) can have a genetic test to determine the risk of stomach cancer.

    Inherited cancer syndromes are individuals who inherit a genetic mutation that puts them at high risk for getting certain cancer problems.

    Only a handful of stomach cancer patients have a history of stomach cancer or inherited cancer syndrome.

    However, if they are at risk and known in advance, then preventative measures can be taken before the cancer condition worsens.

Updated:: 05/11/2021 []

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