Some facts about cancer

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. A defining characteristic of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual margins, and then these abnormal cells can invade adjacent parts of the body and thus spread to other organs.

Unfortunately, it knows no borders. Men, women and children are in danger. According to the International Fund for Cancer Research in the world, in 2008 only 12.7 million cases of cancer were observed in the world. This number was further divided and showed that around 6.6 million were men and 6.0 million were women. These alarming numbers are estimated to rise to 21 million by 2030.

Breaking down those numbers further, these have been found to be the three most common forms of cancer in both genders:

• Lung – the most common type worldwide, contributing nearly 13% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2008
• Breast (female only) – the second most common type with nearly 1.4 million new cases in 2008
• Colorectal – the third most common with more than 1.2 million new cases in 2008

Gastrointestinal cancers

In fourth place is stomach cancer, along with others that affect the gastro-intestine. It is a disease in which bad cells are formed in the organs involved in the digestion of food or in the elimination of waste, counting the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, colon and rectum and is classified according to the organ in which it is formed as follows:

Stomach (also called gastric cancer) begins in the cells that line the inner lining of the stomach and then grows outward. It is often diagnosed at a highly developed stage, when it can be treated but not as often cured.

Risk factors for developing gastrointestinal cancer

Although not much is known about the causes of many types of gastrointestinal cancer, risk factors are known to vary between the different types. These include:

• Diet: Eating a high-fat diet is a risk factor for small bowel, pancreas, and colorectal cancer. A diet rich in salty and smoked foods increases the risk, just as a diet rich in red meat, processed meats and meats cooked at high temperatures increases the risk of colorectal cancer. A diet that includes too few fruits and vegetables increases the risk of colorectal and stomach cancer.
• age: Many types of gastrointestinal cancers increase in frequency as people age.
• Cigarettes: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancer.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Too much alcohol increases the risk of colorectal and liver cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight is a risk factor for biliary cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
• Family history of gastrointestinal cancer: If your father or brother has been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer.
• Diabetes: Having diabetes increases your risk of pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Too little exercise increases the risk of pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer vary depending on the type of cancer. Symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
• Change in bowel habit, such as frequency, consistency, or shape.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea vomiting
• Involuntary weight loss
• Tired

These are common symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer, but they can also be related to other less serious causes. Seek the advice of your doctor if you have any concerns.

Gastrointestinal cancer prevention

Some people have an inherited gene that could increase their risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer. On the other hand, it is assumed that there are preventive measures that can help reduce the probability that people develop it.

Antioxidants

Some scientists believe that antioxidant vitamins and minerals can help prevent cancer when included as part of a balanced diet. The antioxidants and other healthy substances found in fresh fruits and vegetables can help prevent damage to the stomach lining that can lead to cancer.

Diet

The incidence of stomach cancer varies from country to country throughout the world. This can be explained to some extent by differences in diet. A diet rich in very salty foods increases the risk of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer levels have been considered quite high in Japan, where highly salty pickled foods are popular in their diet.

Smoked, broiled, and canned foods can also increase the risk of stomach cancer. Canned foods include cured meats, such as bacon and ham. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of stomach cancer.