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Indian men have higher risk of developing 5th deadliest cancer – expert explains how to prevent it
Stomach cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in India, remains under-recognized despite its aggressive nature. Times Now contacted Dr Arun Kumar Goyal, who shares lifestyle factors, vague symptoms and late diagnosis as the major challenges.
Indian men are more at risk of developing the 5th deadliest cancer (Image credit: iStock)
In recent years, cancer There has been a significant increase in awareness among Indian youth, yet colon cancer remains an under-reported threat. Despite being the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in India, it often goes unnoticed until it is too late. The stomach is responsible for food storage and digestion and is uniquely structured to expand as needed. This adaptability allows colon cancer to grow to a great extent before showing any symptoms. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, colon cancer is the fifth most common cancer globally. In India, it is particularly prevalent in men, with higher incidence being seen in urban areas due to lifestyle factors, dietary habits and increased exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco and alcohol.
So how do you know if you have any symptoms? Times Now contacted Dr. Arun Kumar Goyal, Director of Surgical Oncology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital, who explained that early detection and lifestyle changes can play an important role in combating this deadly disease.
Dr. Goyal explains, “Even when the tumor becomes large, symptoms like acidity, stomach pain or vague discomfort are often dismissed as minor digestive problems, leading to late diagnosis in most cases. The diagnosis is made.”
More than 70 percent of global stomach cancer cases are in Asia, and India’s large population and changing lifestyle habits make it a significant contributor. “The aggressive nature of stomach cancer and often vague symptoms make it one of the deadliest cancers,” says Dr. Goyal. “Awareness, early detection and lifestyle changes are key to reducing its impact.”
symptoms of stomach cancer
Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer include:
– trouble swallowing
– stomach pain
Feeling bloated after eating
Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
– Not feeling hungry when you expect to be hungry
– stomach irritation
– indigestion
– nausea
– vomit
– Lose weight without effort
– feeling very tired
– stool that looks black
Stomach cancer does not always cause symptoms in the early stages. When this happens, symptoms may include indigestion and upper abdominal pain. Symptoms may not appear until the cancer progresses. In the later stages of stomach cancer, symptoms like feeling very tired, losing weight without trying, vomiting blood and black stool may occur.
Why is stomach cancer so dangerous?
Dr. Goyal shares several factors that make colon cancer particularly challenging:
– Aggressive tumor growth: Stomach cancer is fast-growing and highly lethal.
– Misleading symptoms: Symptoms like acidity, stomach pain or fatigue can mimic common digestive problems, leading to delayed diagnosis.
– Late detection: By the time symptoms such as low hemoglobin, rapid weight loss or loss of appetite are seen, the disease is often at an advanced stage.
risk of stomach cancer
Stomach Cancer Risk Factors Can be divided into convertible and non-convertible categories.
modifiable risk factors
1. Diet:
– Low intake of fruits and vegetables: Eating less than the recommended 400 grams per day increases the risk.
– Excessive salt intake: Found in pickles, bread and processed foods, excessive salt intake can damage the stomach lining.
– Red and processed meat: Limit intake to less than 70 grams per day as recommended by the Government of India.
– Smoked foods: Carcinogenic compounds in smoked foods increase the risk of stomach and gastrointestinal cancer.
2. Tobacco and Alcohol:
The risk of stomach cancer triples due to tobacco consumption. Alcohol, especially in large amounts, damages the stomach lining, increasing the risk of cancer.
3. Medical Conditions:
– Chronic inflammation of the stomach.
-Severe anemia due to vitamin B-12 deficiency.
– Helicobacter pylori infection (if untreated).
non-modifiable risk factors
– Age: The risk increases significantly after 75 years.
– Gender: Men are twice as likely to get stomach cancer as women.
– Genetics: A family history of stomach cancer or inherited conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) increases susceptibility.
prevention and early detection
Dr. Goyal suggests several preventive measures to reduce the risk of stomach cancer:
– Maintain a healthy diet: Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables while reducing salt, processed meats and smoked foods.
– Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Eliminate these substances to significantly reduce the risk.
– Addresses medical conditions: Treats chronic stomach problems and H. pylori infection immediately.
– Regular checkups: People who have a family history of cancer or persistent digestive symptoms should seek timely medical advice.
Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer
Treatment of stomach cancer often includes a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and in some cases, targeted therapy. Dr. Goyal shares, “When performed with curative intent, surgery is complex and major. However, late-stage diagnosis often limits treatment options to palliative care.”
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