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 feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual margins, and these abnormal cells can then invade adjacent parts of the body and thus spread to other organs.
Unfortunately, it knows no borders. Men, women and children are all at risk. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, in 2008 about 12.7 million cases of cancer were observed in the world. This number was further divided and showed that about 6.6 million of them were men and 6.0 million women. These initial numbers are estimated to increase to 21 million by the year 2030.
Breaking down those numbers further, it has been found that these are the three most common forms of cancer in both sexes:
- Lung: the most common type worldwide, contributing almost 13% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2008
- Breast (females only): the second most common type with almost 1.4 million new cases in 2008
- Colorectal: 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 digestive system. It is a disease in which bad cells form in the organs involved in the digestion of food or the elimination of waste, including 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 out. It is often diagnosed at a very 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, it is known that the risk factors vary among the different types. These include:
- Diet: Eating a high-fat diet is a risk factor for small bowel, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. A diet high in salty and smoked foods increases the risk, just as a diet high in red meat, processed meat, 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: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Excess alcohol increases the risk of liver and colorectal cancer.
- obesity: Being overweight is a risk factor for gallbladder cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
- Family history of gastrointestinal cancer.: If your parent or sibling has been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer.
- Diabetes: Having diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.
- sedentary lifestyle: Exercising too little increases the risk of pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer.
Gastrointestinal cancer symptoms
Gastrointestinal cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer. Symptoms may 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
- unintentional weight loss
- Tired
These are common symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer but may 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 may 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 highly salty foods increases the risk of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer levels have been seen to be quite high in Japan, where highly salty pickled foods are popular in their diet.
Smoked, roasted, and preserved foods may 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 may reduce the risk of stomach cancer.