Multiple factors contribute to gastric cancer, including lifestyle habits, dietary patterns, environmental influences, genetic predisposition, and psychological factors. It is also associated with chronic gastritis, gastric polyps, gastric mucosal dysplasia, intestinal metaplasia, and residual stomach tissue post-surgery. Gastric cancer can occur anywhere in the stomach but is most commonly found in the body of the stomach, particularly along the lesser curvature. So how can gastric cancer be prevented?
Based on the depth of cancerous tissue invasion, it is classified as early-stage gastric cancer or advanced-stage gastric cancer (mid-to-late stage). Early symptoms are often subtle, such as vague upper abdominal discomfort, dull pain, belching, acid reflux, loss of appetite, and mild anemia—some of which resemble symptoms of gastric or duodenal ulcers or chronic gastritis.Some patients experience pain relief or remission after taking painkillers, anti-ulcer medications, or adjusting their diet, leading to neglect and failure to undergo further examination. As the disease progresses, gastric symptoms become more pronounced, including upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and anemia. In later stages, cancer metastasis often occurs, presenting with abdominal masses, enlarged left supraclavicular lymph nodes, black stools, ascites, and severe malnutrition.
(1) Reduce or eliminate pickled vegetables
Pickled vegetables contain high levels of nitrites and secondary amines. Under suitable gastric acidity or bacterial action, these can form nitrosamine compounds—potent carcinogens. Therefore, prioritize fresh foods and refrigeration.
(2) Avoid or limit smoked and fried foods
Smoked fish and meats contain high levels of carcinogens like benzopyrene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Similarly, fried, roasted, charred foods, and reused high-temperature cooking oils harbor these carcinogens and should be minimized.(3) Avoid moldy foods
Moldy or spoiled foods are common in daily life. Mold growth is caused by contaminated fungi, some of which are toxin-producing fungi—strong carcinogens. Additionally, certain foods exposed to these fungi produce large amounts of nitrites and secondary amines. Once ingested, these compounds can form nitrosamines in the stomach under certain conditions, leading to cancer.
(4) Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
It is widely known that smoking harms health. Cigarette smoke contains numerous carcinogens such as benzo[a]pyrene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dibenzocarbazepine, which pose significant risks to our bodies.Alcohol itself is not carcinogenic, but strong spirits can irritate the gastric mucosa, damaging its tissue and thereby promoting the absorption of carcinogens.Simultaneously, high salt intake and eating while holding a grudge are also associated with gastric cancer.
(6) Increase consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits
Consume more foods rich in vitamins A, B, and E, and moderately increase protein intake to help protect the gastric mucosa.
(7) Ensure drinking water safety
Contaminated water sources contain carcinogenic metal ions. Always use regulated tap water; in rural areas, prioritize well water.Multiple adenomatous polyps in the stomach are more likely to become cancerous than solitary polyps, and polyps exceeding 2cm in diameter indicate a tendency toward malignancy. Pernicious anemia also has a certain relationship with gastric cancer. Therefore, individuals with atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcers, multiple adenomatous polyps in the stomach, or pernicious anemia must undergo regular hospital examinations and treatment to eliminate precancerous lesions and prevent the occurrence of gastric cancer.