Risk Factors Associated with Gastric Cancer

Major Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer and How to Reduce Them

Stomach cancer is often associated with certain physiological changes in stomach cells. A mutation in the growth and division of these cells can be a significant factor in gastric or stomach cancer. 

Apart from these, many other factors contribute to the development of stomach cancer. But mainly, these factors may not directly cause gastric cancer. Instead, these risk factors influence the DNA damage in cells that may lead to stomach cancer. 

What is Gastric Cancer?

Gastric or stomach cancer is a special type of cancer that develops in the inner lining of the stomach. Cells in these areas grow abnormally and rapidly spread to their vicinity, causing metastasis. 

Most gastric cancers are adenocarcinomas, which means that they develop from gland cells in the stomach lining. Gastric cancer is of two types: one is intestinal, and another is the diffuse type. 

What are the Risk Factors associated with Gastric Cancer?

These are the common risk factors that are associated with Gastric cancer:

Helicobacter pylori Infection

This bacterium damages the inner lining of the stomach, causing chronic inflammation. Eventually, this chronic inflammation can lead to DNA damage and cellular changes, which ultimately develop into gastric cancer. It releases CagA, which is a virulent factor that contributes directly to the DNA damage of these stomach epithelial cells.     

Tobacco Usage

Tobacco use can significantly increase the risks of stomach cancer through numerous mechanisms, like DNA damage, irritation of these epithelial cells, and eventually leading to an ulcer. Carcinogens are present in large numbers in tobacco products and are solely responsible for promoting DNA damage and cancer development.   

 
Daily Diet

Consuming grilled or barbecued fish and meat may increase the risk of gastric cancer due to carcinogens formed during high-heat cooking. Processed meats, including chicken and red meats, can increase the risk of developing non-cardia stomach cancer. Diets not consisting of fruits or vegetables also increase the risk of gastric cancer at a later age. 

Family History

Cases of gastric cancer in the family can increase the risk of developing gastric cancer due to inherited genetic mutations or commonly shared environmental factors. While most of the gastric cancers are sporadic, a certain percentage are linked to specific genetic cancer syndromes. A mutation in genes like CDH1 can significantly elevate the risk of this cancer. 

Age

Most cases of gastric cancer often develop in people over the age of 60. The risk of developing cancer is directly related to age. Age is a common risk factor for the development of stomach cancer. 

Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of gastric cancer through multiple mechanisms, including altered hormonal levels (such as oestrogen and insulin) and disruptions in cell growth and DNA repair. Higher levels of insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factors promote cell growth, leading to cancer development. 

Environmental and Occupational Exposures  

These are some environmental factors that increase the risk of stomach cancer:

• Chemicals or Toxins: Exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene, asbestos, arsenic and pesticides can increase the risk of stomach cancer. 
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause chronic inflammation in the epithelial cells of the stomach's inner lining, leading to the development of gastric cancer. 
• UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation directly damages the DNA, which eventually leads to cancer.
• Pathogens: Certain pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, can increase the risk of stomach cancer

What are the Treatments for Gastric Cancer?

These are the treatment methods for gastric cancer in the Indian healthcare system:

• Radiation Therapy: In this method, high-energy rays kill cancer cells, resulting in the shrinkage of the tumour. 
• Chemotherapy: In this method, doctors inject or administer drugs like docetaxel, fluorouracil, leucovorin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel to kill cancerous stomach cells.   
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses specific biomarkers or drugs to identify and attack specific cancer cells in the inner lining of the stomach. 
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy encourages the patient’s immune system to fight against gastric cancer. 

Early detection of gastric cancer can help prevent fatal complications later in life. Having proper knowledge regarding the risk factors associated with gastric cancer can prevent cancer development at an early stage.