Gastric cancer is a high-incidence and high-fatal type of malignant tumor, which brings a large number of deaths every year and poses a great threat to people's health. Understanding the potential causes of gastric cancer can help us better understand its incidence pattern and susceptible populations, so as to take targeted prevention and treatment measures. Behind the frequent occurrence of stomach cancer, it may be inseparable from these 4 potential triggers, please check them one by one, and if so, please correct them in time.
1. Bad lifestyle habits
Poor lifestyle habits are one of the important causes of gastric cancer, and smoking and alcohol consumption are the two main risk factors.
Studies have shown that people who smoke for a long time have a significantly increased risk of stomach cancer. The harmful substances in tobacco can directly damage the gastric mucosa, causing chronic inflammation and increasing the likelihood of cancer. The gastric mucosa of smokers is often exposed to high concentrations of carcinogens, leading to cell mutations and malignant hyperplasia.
Alcohol, on the other hand, can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to chronic inflammation and impaired mucosal barrier function, increasing the risk of cancer. In addition, drinking alcohol can also promote the absorption and metabolism of harmful substances, further increasing the risk of stomach cancer.
2. Unhealthy eating habits
Unhealthy eating habits, such as a high-salt diet, preserved and smoked foods, are important causes of stomach cancer. A high-salt diet can directly damage the stomach mucosa, leading to chronic inflammation and increasing the likelihood of cancer. Preserved foods contain a lot of nitrites and nitrosamines, and long-term consumption can also significantly increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Correspondingly, fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which have antioxidant and protective effects on the gastric mucosa. Studies have shown that people whose diets are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E have a significantly lower incidence of stomach cancer. Therefore, it is important to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits and maintain a balanced diet to reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
3. Infection and genetic factors
Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the main causative factors of gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterial infection in the stomach that is closely associated with the development of gastric ulcers, gastritis, and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori causes chronic inflammation and cell damage in the stomach tissue, which increases the risk of cancer.
Genetic factors also play a role in the occurrence of gastric cancer. People with a family history of stomach cancer have a higher risk of stomach cancer. Although genetic factors cannot be changed, understanding the family medical history, regular check-ups and early screening can detect and prevent stomach cancer early.
4. Mental stress
Long-term mental stress and bad mood are also potential triggers for stomach cancer. Long-term mental stress can lead to a decline in immune function, affect gastrointestinal function, and increase the risk of stomach cancer. Excessive stress causes changes in hormone levels in the body, leading to excessive secretion of gastric acid, which in turn impairs the health of the gastric mucosa.
Stress can also affect eating habits, leading to irregular eating and overeating, further increasing the likelihood of stomach cancer flare-ups. Therefore, maintaining a good mental state and learning to relieve stress is equally important to prevent stomach cancer. You can reduce stress, improve your mood, enhance your body's immunity, and reduce the chance of stomach cancer by exercising, meditating, listening to music, etc.
In short, the occurrence of gastric cancer is the result of a combination of multiple factors, and there is a gradual development trend in its formation process. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the changes in physical condition as soon as possible and take effective improvement measures to avoid the worst to a large extent, so we should pay more attention to our lives.