Stomach Cancer Causes

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases and as per estimates, stomach cancer alone causes around 800,000 deaths throughout the world, in one year! However, stomach cancer is not as common as some other types of cancer. It is said to be highly common in Japan. It has been observed that stomach cancer is mostly found in men, as compared to women. However, those who are above the age of 50 are more prone to this condition. Even though, no specific cause can be attributed to this disease, it is believed that stomach cancer causes can be a combination of various risk factors.

More about Stomach Cancer

We all know that stomach is meant for collection and digestion of food. The strong acids and enzymes produced in the stomach aid in digestion of the food particles, as well as in destruction of harmful microorganisms. This organ has five layers and usually stomach cancer (or gastric cancer) starts from the inner layer and progresses to other layers. Once it reaches the outer layer, it can spread to the nearby organs like pancreas, liver, esophagus and intestine. These cells may also break off and spread throughout the body. It can start from any location in the stomach wall, but, nowadays, it is noted that most stomach cancer cases are found near the esophagus.

Stomach cancer is categorized into different types and the most common among them is adenocarcinoma, which affects the glandular cells that line the inner surfaces of the stomach. The other three types are lymphoma (affects the immune system cells in the stomach wall), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (affects the nervous system cells in the stomach) and carcinoid cancer (affects hormone producing cells).

Stomach Cancer Causes and Symptoms

What causes stomach cancer? This is one of the common queries about the disease. Till date, no specific cause has been identified, as far as stomach cancer is concerned. Stomach cancer is believed to be caused by a combination of various risk factors, that may vary from one patient to another. These include factors relating to diet, lifestyle, environmental factors, certain diseases and heredity.

• Certain diseases and disorders like Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term stomach inflammation due to chronic gastritis and anemia (especially, megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia), polyps in stomach and acid reflux. It is said that gastrectomy is also a risk factor for stomach cancer.
• Lifestyle factors, include obesity, lack of physical activity and smoking. Even excess alcohol consumption is said to be a risk factor for the occurrence of stomach cancer.
• As far as environmental factors are concerned, it is said that some types of molds, fumes and dust may also become stomach cancer causes. It has also been noted that exposure to certain chemicals (like, those used in rubber and lead manufacturing) may also be a contributory factor.
• Even some dietary factors are considered as causes for stomach cancer. They include a regular and long-term intake of highly salty food, pickles, spicy foods and smoked foods. Even those food items with some preservatives, like, nitrates are said to cause stomach cancer. A diet with low amounts of fruits and vegetables may also contribute to this type of cancer.

Apart from the above said, there are various other risk factors for stomach cancer and this includes family history, type A blood group, African descent, etc. The most common symptoms of stomach cancer are bloating and fullness,abdominal pain, heartburn, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea/constipation, nausea and vomiting and blood in vomit or stool. These symptoms may be mistaken for some other diseases too. So, it is always better to consult an expert doctor and undergo a thorough diagnosis, so as to rule out the possibility of stomach cancer.