Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, ranks as the fifth most common cancer worldwide and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Stomach cancer cases in India are on the rise, due to many reasons including a mix of lifestyle, dietary, and healthcare factors. Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals shares that unhealthy eating habits, including excessive consumption of processed and salty foods, combined with low fruit and vegetable intake, play a significant role.
Tobacco and alcohol use further increases the risk. Chronic stress and a sedentary lifestyle exacerbate these issues, weakening immunity and increasing susceptibility to cancer. But did you know that this type of cancer affects men and women differently? Men and women differ significantly in terms of risk factors, symptoms, and outcomes of this disease.
We got in touch with Dr Amit Javed, Director, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram who shares tips for improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Prevalence and Risk Factors Dr Javed explains stomach cancer is nearly twice as prevalent in men as in women. This disparity arises from several factors, including hormones, genetics, and lifestyle choices.
- Hormonal Protection Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, offers some protection against stomach cancer. It reduces inflammation in the stomach lining and discourages the growth of cancer cells. Women in premenopausal stages .
