One of the cancers that are asymptomatic in the earlier stages is Stomach cancer or gastric cancer as it is also called. For this reason it is important to know the risk factors, the possible causes as well as the non-specific early symptoms of stomach cancer to try and catch the disease early.
Though we don’t really know what causes stomach cancer, we do know some of the conditions and circumstances that make up the risk factors of this cancer.
Infections and other conditions
An infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium, is known to be one of the main causes of stomach cancer. These bacteria infect the inner lining of the stomach and cause peptic ulcers and inflammation.
Though a large proportion of people with stomach cancer will have had this infection (an estimated 65–80% of gastric cancers are caused by this infection), everyone with this infection will not go on to develop this cancer; they will merely be at a higher risk of developing the cancer.
In fact only about 2% of those who have the infection will go on to develop the cancer.
In addition, certain cancer syndromes such as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, diffuse gastric cancer and adenomatous polyposis are seen to put a person at greater risk of developing this cancer.
A rare condition called Menetrier disease causes the lining of the stomach to change and is known to contribute to stomach cancer risk.
The Epstein-Barr virus, that causes “mono” or infectious mononucleosis is also connected with this cancer because it is sometimes found in the malignant cells of the cancer.
Pernicious anemia, which cause a shortage of red blood cells in the body and which is inhibits absorption of Vitamin B12 from food is also a known risk factor in this disease.
Diet and lifestyle
Diet can be an important determinant in developing gastric cancer. Those who consume a high proportion of smoked and salted or cured foods, including meats and vegetables are known to be at higher risk whereas those who consume more proportion of fresh produce are at lower risk.
Tobacco and excessive alcohol use is another lifestyle risk factor. Depending on the severity of your condition or a close family member, you can give them the help they need by setting up an intervention to possibly discuss if getting help is needed. It is important to look at all of your options and determine if it is best to possibly send them to an Arizona treatment center that focuses on core issues and teaches them to live a happy and healthy life without doing things that will affect them later on.
Iodine deficiency in the diet is also known to play a role with stomach cancer
Certain occupations, such as those that involve metals, rubber and coal are more closely associated with stomach cancer.
Genetics, age, race and other factors
Those who have cancer in the family may be at higher risk. Hispanic, Asian or Pacific islanders and African Americans are known to be at higher risk of developing stomach cancer compared with other ethnicities.
Men are more likely to develop stomach cancer than women. It is thought that the hormone estrogen could offer women some protection against this cancer.
Age is another risk factor since this is a cancer that principally occurs after the age of 50.
Scientists have also observed that those who have Type A blood groups are seen to have stomach cancer more frequently.
