Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of stomach cancer:
- Age: Risk increases as you get older.
- Gender: Men are slightly more likely to develop stomach cancer, possibly due to dietary and lifestyle differences.
- Genetics: Family history and certain genetic mutations can raise the risk.
- Environmental Factors: Long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals or smoking.
- Helicobacter pylori Infection: This common bacterial infection is a major risk factor.
- Diet: High salt intake and low consumption of fruits and vegetables may increase risk.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Stomach cancer is often called a “silent killer” because early symptoms can be subtle. Watch for:
- Upper Abdominal Pain: Persistent pain or pressure in the stomach area.
- Digestive Issues: Chronic heartburn, frequent belching, constipation, or diarrhea.
- Loss of Appetite & Unexplained Weight Loss: Patients may avoid food and lose weight without reason.
- Persistent Vomiting: Vomiting may occur repeatedly, sometimes with blood.
- Bloating: Swelling in the abdomen due to tumors.
- Changes in Bowel Movements: Constipation, diarrhea, or blood in stool.
- Extreme Fatigue: Feeling weak and tired as the disease progresses.
- Swelling in the Neck: May occur if the cancer spreads to lymph nodes.
Diagnosis
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