Liaoning, Fujian, Gansu, Shandong, Jiangsu …… Why is there a “concentration” of stomach cancer in these areas?

by Specialist

The latest “China Cancer Distribution Map” shows that Liaoning, Fujian, Gansu, Shandong, and Jiangsu are areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer in China. The most important thing is that it is not just a matter of the number of people who have cancer.

Eating habits – the main reason for the “concentration” of gastric cancer

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Studies in these priority areas suggest that local dietary habits may be a major cause of the high incidence of gastric cancer.

  • Zhuanghe County, Liaoning In winter, almost every household cures a vat of salted pork for a whole year’s supply of pork. Long-term consumption of salted pork, which is rich in large amounts of salt, can directly damage the gastric mucosa and cause chronic gastric disease; and the nitrite intake can also increase the risk of gastric cancer.

  • Changle County, Fujian  Changle County is a representative city with a high incidence of coastal stomach cancer, and local residents have the habit of consuming shrimp oil and pickled salted fish, which are pickled foods rich in nitrite and can increase the risk of stomach cancer. In addition, local people often eat fish sauce contains a lot of salt, which can cause damage to the gastric mucosa, providing “convenient conditions” for the carcinogenic effects of nitrites.

  • Linqu County, Shandong  Sour pancakes (made from fermented grains) are popular in Linqu County, and studies have shown that those who regularly eat them have an increased risk of stomach cancer compared to those who do not. In addition, local residents like to eat pickled vegetables, so they can also consume large amounts of nitrites, which can trigger stomach cancer.

Eat this way to stay away from nitrite. div>

This shows that the diets of the regions with high incidence of gastric cancer in China almost all have their “local characteristics”, and the common feature is the long and high intake of preserved foods, such as cured meat, fish and vegetables. The daily eating habits have a significant impact on the occurrence of gastric cancer.

Understand these eating habits to help you prevent stomach cancer

Lifestyle habits – have an impact on the “concentration” of gastric cancer

Lifestyle habits may also have an impact on the occurrence of stomach cancer. For example, in some less developed areas of China, where refrigerators are not yet common, the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is not guaranteed; many residents have the habit of eating overnight meals, which are rich in nitrites, which can further increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Other

The high prevalence of H. pylori infection in some less developed regions, the high prevalence of chronic gastric disease, and the relative delay in early screening for gastric cancer may result in a “concentration” of gastric cancer.

How to stay away from H. pylori infection?

In summary, eating less or no pickled foods in daily life, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and having regular screening follow-ups will help reduce the “concentration” of stomach cancer in the population. (Contributed by Jingxu Sun, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University)