Stomach or gastric cancer is an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects millions of people around the world every year. It starts in the cells lining your stomach and grows deeper into the walls of your stomach as the cancer develops. According to experts, most of the time, stomach cancer is found when the disease has advanced and the chances of cure are low. Stomach cancer that grows through the stomach wall or spreads to other parts of the body is difficult to treat.

And so, you need to be careful about the factors that cause this disease. Although there are many things that contribute to the development of colon cancer, some bad habits that you take for granted significantly increase the risk. Let’s explore five habits and provide valuable information on how to reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Factors that cause stomach cancer

chronic stress

Many people think that stress is a mental health problem and that it does not play any role in increasing physical problems in your body. According to doctors, long-term stress impairs your bodily functions, leading to many fatal diseases like heart problems, kidney problems, diabetes and even cancer.

Stress increases the risk of developing colon cancer by weakening the immune system’s ability to effectively fight cancer cells. It also increases inflammation in the body, as well as the risk of conditions like obesity and acid reflux – all of which increase the risk of colon cancer.

Therefore, it is important to prioritize stress management through activities like regular exercise, meditation, yoga or engaging in social activities with loved ones to reduce the risks. By adopting these strategies, you can actively reduce your chances of developing colon cancer and promote better overall health.

eating salty foods

Too much salt in your diet causes at least 41 percent harm Higher risk of gastric cancer Compared to those who rarely or never added salt. According to experts, too much salt increases your body mass index, Sodium, and potassium levels in urine – all these become markers for the growth of cancer cells.

And so, reducing sodium – with the recommended intake. 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day is the best way to stay away from this cancer and other diseases.

smoking

Smoking is not only harmful for your lungs but also helps in the spread of stomach cancer. Experts say that the chemicals present in tobacco smoke cause genetic changes in the cells of the stomach lining. Tobacco smoke, combined with nicotine, plays a role in the formation of ulcers that damage the lining of your stomach. These ulcers increase the risk of genetic changes in cells that lead to stomach cancer.

According to doctors, the severity of stomach ulcers depends on how many cigarettes you smoke daily. Doctors say that quitting smoking reduces the risk of stomach cancer.

poor diet

Eating foods that are rich in saturated fat – such as processed and junk food and red meat contributes heavily to obesity – which is a major risk factor for colon cancer.

Doctors recommend eating fresh fruits and vegetables and following a Mediterranean diet to reduce the risk of stomach cancer.

Liquor

While you may think that a drink or two a day is harmless – this habit, when it becomes chronic, is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and increases stomach acid production – which contributes to the development of cancer.

Limiting alcohol intake and drinking in moderation can help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer and improve your overall health.

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