Although stomach cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in the world, its incidence has been declining over the past few decades. While there is no guarantee that stomach cancer can be prevented, there are still many steps that people can take to reduce the likelihood of developing it. This article will summarize some of the measures that may be taken to reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Checking and treating ulcers
Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a common bacterium. Hp is a carcinogenic factor that increases people’s risk of developing stomach cancer. For people with gastric ulcers, doctors may check for Hp infection and usually treat the infection when it is found.
Healthy eating
Make sure you get enough fresh fruits and vegetables at each meal, which may reduce your risk of stomach cancer. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are good choices. Note that if you are taking some medications, such as statins (used to lower blood lipids), consult your doctor before consuming grapefruit to find out if it will affect the effectiveness of the medication. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends eating fish, poultry, or beans regularly instead of processed or red meat, and whole-grain breads and cereals instead of fine grains, such as whole-wheat flour instead of refined white flour.
Reduce consumption of smoked foods
Before the advent of the refrigerator, people used to preserve food by smoking, salting, and pickling. Large amounts of salt and preservatives may damage the lining of the stomach and promote the development of stomach cancer. Therefore, consumption of smoked and cured foods, including salted meats and fish, should be limited.
Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk of many cancers, including stomach cancer. Please quit smoking and avoid “secondhand smoke”.
Exercise
Exercise has many benefits and can reduce the risk of many types of cancer and other health problems.
Weight control
Overweight, obese people may be more likely to develop stomach cancer. If you are not sure if your weight is in a healthy range, consult your doctor.
The right aspirin
Over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen can relieve pain, fever, or swelling and may also help reduce the chance of developing stomach and colon cancers. However, aspirin and ibuprofen can also cause internal bleeding, so you should not take these medications simply to prevent stomach cancer. Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate medication regimen.
Consider genetic testing
If you have a family member with stomach cancer, genetic testing can determine if you carry certain genes, including the CDH1 gene and Lynch syndrome, that make you more likely to develop stomach cancer.