The College of Kentucky Public Relations and Strategic Communications Workplace gives a weekly well being column obtainable to be used and reprint by information media. This week’s column is by UK Markey Most cancers Heart surgeon Joseph Kim, M.D.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 22, 2024) — Whereas abdomen most cancers was within the headlines not way back with the sudden loss of life of musician Toby Keith, the analysis is comparatively uncommon. Abdomen most cancers now accounts for 1.4% of recent most cancers circumstances within the U.S., down from practically 10% from 30 years in the past.
With a mean age at analysis of 68, abdomen most cancers is extra widespread amongst older people. However it may occur to anybody, so it’s necessary to know its signs, danger elements and steps you’ll be able to take to decrease your danger.
What are the indicators and signs of abdomen most cancers?
Early stage abdomen most cancers typically has no signs. Because the most cancers progresses, sufferers might expertise stomach ache or discomfort, feeling bloated or full after consuming small quantities, nausea or vomiting, unexplained weight reduction, blood within the stool and problem swallowing.
What causes abdomen most cancers?
There usually are not all the time clear danger elements for growing abdomen most cancers, however some elements are typically related to the onset of the illness. These embody:
- Heavy consumption of smoked, salted and processed meats
- A food regimen low in fruits, greens and fiber wealthy meals
- Smoking tobacco
- Being chubby or overweight
Different danger elements embody gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD), a household historical past of abdomen most cancers, Epstein-Barr virus and H. pylori bacterial an infection.
What can I do to scale back my danger?
Whereas there isn’t any assured approach to forestall abdomen most cancers, you’ll be able to decrease your danger by:
- Consuming a balanced food regimen with loads of fruits, greens and complete grains. Restrict processed meats and smoked or salty meals.
- Sustaining a wholesome weight by way of food regimen and train
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
Can I get screened for abdomen most cancers?
Routine screening is not at present really helpful for everybody. However when you’ve got sure danger elements, like H. pylori an infection or a household historical past of abdomen most cancers, speak to your physician about screening choices like higher endoscopy or blood exams.
Whereas therapies have progressed lately, the five-year relative survival price for abdomen most cancers is 35.7%. Early detection could make all of the distinction for higher therapy outcomes, so do not hesitate to achieve out to your well being care supplier should you expertise any signs or have danger elements that warrant screening.
