Stomach Cancer
What should people know about stomach cancer?
The stomach is a J-shaped organ that is part of the digestive system. It processes foods that are eaten and helps pass waste material out of the body.
Each year in New York State, over 1,200 men and at least 850 women are diagnosed with cancer of the stomach. Over 450 men and at least 300 women in New York die of the disease each year.
Who gets stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, most commonly affects older individuals. It is more prevalent in men. Non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander, and Hispanic persons are more likely to develop stomach cancer compared to non-Hispanic White persons.
What factors increase risk for developing stomach cancer?
At this time, the causes of stomach cancer are not well understood. However, scientists agree that certain factors increase a person's risk of developing this disease. These risk factors include:
- H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori). Individuals who are infected with the bacterium H. pylori are at higher risk for stomach cancer than people who are not infected. However, most people with H. pylori do not develop stomach cancer.
- Family history. People with close relatives (parents, brothers/sisters, children) who have had stomach cancer are at greater risk for the disease. Current research indicates that about 30% of stomach cancers may be inherited.
- Smoking. Smoking increases the risk for getting stomach cancer. A current smoker's risk for stomach cancer may be about double that of a non-smoker.
- Alcohol. Heavy drinking increases the risk of stomach cancer.
- Ionizing radiation. Individuals exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as radiation treatment for other diseases, are at higher risk for developing stomach cancer.
- Workplace exposures. Individuals who work in industries that are dusty, such as foundries, steel-making and mining, are at increased risk of developing stomach cancer. Workers in the rubber industry, oil refineries, and workers exposed to diesel exhaust are also at increased risk for the disease.
- Diet. Diets low in vegetables, fruit and high fiber foods or high in salted, smoked or poorly preserved foods may increase risk for stomach cancer.
What can I do to reduce my chances of getting stomach cancer?
To help reduce the risk of getting stomach cancer:
- Be aware of your family history and discuss any concerns with your health care provider.
- Do not smoke. If you currently smoke, quit. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. For more information on quitting smoking, visit the NYS Smoker's Quitline at www.nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS.
- Discuss the risks and benefits of medical imaging, such as CT scans, with your health care provider to avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. This is particularly important for children.
- Be aware of workplace health and safety rules and follow them.
- Choose a healthy diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and eat less red and processed (e.g., bacon, sausage, luncheon meat, hot dogs) meats. These actions may reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer as well as other diseases.
- If you are concerned about frequent stomach symptoms, discuss your concerns with your health care provider.
How else can I reduce my risk for cancer?
The following may help reduce the risk of developing cancer:
- Exercise regularly.
- Talk with your health care provider about recommended cancer screenings.
