Stomach Cancer

Stomach

The stomach plays a very important role in our digestive system, all that we eat or drink is stored temporary in the stomach which distributes these in small quantities to the other digestive systems. Let’s take a look at the structure and function of the digestive system, especially the stomach. The digestive system can be divided in two sections.
The upper section consists of the oral cavity, salivary glands, upper and lower part of the pharynx.

The lower section consists of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and the digestive glands.
When we eat, the food is broken into smaller pieces with the help of our teeth, lips and tongue in the mouth (which is also known as oral cavity). Receptors are able to determine the chemical components of the food as well as the taste of the food.

Saliva which contains special enzymes like Amylase moisturizes the food and makes it pulpy to easily slide. The taste of the food can be fished out with the help of the taste receptors on the tongue. This also helps pushing the food down to the throat; the esophagus transports the pulpy food from the throat and through muscle contractions called peristatic action to the stomach. With the help of the esophageal sphincter, reflux (prevents aggressive stomach juice from entering the esophagus) is prevented. This could cause heartburns which can damage the mucous membrane and in some cases lead to maligner if it’s chronic.

The stomach stores the pulpy food (chymus) ranging between 1 to 5 hours, mixes it with gastric juice and gives it in portions to the small intestine.  Gastric juice (gastrin) is made up of water, mucous, salty acid and pepsin.

The stomach is an extension of the esophagus. It can be found on the left side of the upper abdomen below the diaphragm. It lies on the left side of the liver and on the right side of the spleen. Below it is the large intestine and behind it is the pancreas. Its volume is about 1200-1600ml. It is divided into Cardia, fundus, corpus, antrum and pylorus.

Stomach cancer

10-15 percent of all occurring cancers are stomach cancers, males tend to have greater percentage of this quote. This is mostly found within age groups of 70 and above.  Just like other types of cancers,  the causes of stomach cancer is not yet clear, however factors like the following listed below might increase ones risk of becoming ill.

  • Previous stomach operation can increase ones possibility of getting ill.
  • Hereditary: if a family member has ever had a stomach cancer, the possibility of one getting stomach cancer increases.
  • Steady smoking and high quantity alcohol consume can damage the mucous membrane of digestive organs thereby increasing their exposure to cancer.
  • Long-term bacterial infection (Gastritis) or inflammation of the stomach which damages the mucous membrane.
  • Very salty foods: though nitrite is an essential part of our daily nutrient, high quantity in our food can be converted by bacteria found in the stomach to a dangerous nitrosamine.
  • Too hot foods causes damages of the stomach
  • Lack of vitamins and proteins in our nutrients:  vitamin E and C can block the action of bacteria converting nitrite to nitrosamine.

Ways to prevent stomach cancer

We all know that there is no assured way to prevent ourselves from any type of cancer but you can take some minimum actions to reduce your risk of getting ill.

  • There are a lot of people having reflux issues; this occurs when gastric juice flows back in the esophagus thereby causing damages to the mucous membrane over a long period of time. It causes heartburns. It has been proved that cell changes caused by reflux actions are precancerous therefore should be treated with acidic inhibitors.
  • Because reflux is usually common among people with overweight, it is recommended to keep your weight within normal range.
  • Reduce the intake of fatty foods, because these increase acidic reflux.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables in order to maintain the required vitamin needed for the body.
  • A periodic gastroscopy is recommended if the illness persists over long period of time in order to look inside the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. The camera at the end of the endoscope sends images of the inside of the organ to the monitor.
  • Wash all fruits and vegetables properly before eating.
  • Eat little salty foods

What signals should I consider serious

  • If your stomach suddenly doesn’t tolerate certain foods
  • You loss appetite, nausea and vomiting, loss of weight
  • Pains in stomach, anemia, pains when swallowing, black stool

These symptoms may not necessarily mean stomach cancer, which is why it’s better to consult your physician. Tell your doctor about all the symptoms you have being observing so that he that examine you properly.