Gastric cancer, also commonly referred to as stomach cancer, is a devastating malady that has a 75% fatality rate.1 Worldwide, gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality.2 It is fifth most predominant cancer throughout the world,1 and is it ranks third in deaths attributed to cancer.3 People from Eastern Asia, such as China, Japan and Korea, have a higher chance of getting gastric cancer compared to the rest of the world, and the lowest incidence rates are reported from the Eastern Mediterranean, Africa, and The United States. 1 The intent of the paper is to enlighten readers on factors that are related to the incidence and prevalence of gastric cancer and to inform readers on treatment and screening options available.
In
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2008, 8% of cancer patients were diagnosed with gastric cancer, and of the cancer-related deaths, 10% were attributed to gastric cancer.2 Worldwide, the 5-year survival rate is below 20%.3 The incidence of stomach cancer is steadily decreasing. In 1975, the most common cancer was gastric cancer and now it is the fifth.1 In the United States, the Asian population had the highest rate of incidence, but also had the highest chances of survival. The second highest incidence rates were the Blacks, followed by the Hispanics. Between 1992 and 2009, gastric cancer had a total rate of incidence of 8.7 out of 100,000 people per year. The results also concluded that men have a higher incidence rate than women.3 In addition, individuals with a low socioeconomic status have the poorest chance of survival compared to people of a higher socioeconomic status.2 In the western world, Europe and the Americas, many individuals are diagnosed with an advanced stage tumor. However, in Asian countries, such as Korea and Japan, as many as 50% of patients were diagnosed and treated for an early staged tumor. 4 In addition, while gastric non-cardia cancer has decreased, cardia gastric cancer has risen.1 When a tumor has invaded, and it is confined to either the submucosa or the mucosa, it is considered to be Early Gastric Cancer (EGC). While EGC is challenging, it has a positive prognosis. There is over 90% chance of a survival rate of 5 years and a cure can usually be attained by performing a conventional gastrectomy accompanied by lymph node dissection. There a few different ways EGC can be treated such as endoscopic submucosal dissection, abbreviated ESD. Another treatment option is laparoscopic distal gastric resection, also called open distal gastric resection. In addition, there is the fore mention gastrectomy that is shown to have positive outcomes.4 For the high-risk population biopsies, endoscopic examinations, serum pepsinogen, and barium examination were carried out. If patients had clinical symptoms or had lesions that were determined to be precancerous, an endoscopic follow-up was to be performed.5 Helicobacter pylori are responsible for approximately 60-70% of the cases of gastric cancer. Research has shown that H. pylori eradication could be a defensive measure. Many countries agree that H. pylori eradication should be used a primary prevention method in areas of high-risk. Another popular method of prevention is endoscopic surveillance by use of enhanced imaging. However, one baffling finding shows population with an increased prevalence of H. pylori but a low incidence of gastric cancer and gastric cancer mortality. They are often referred to as the African and Indian Enigma, due to their geological location. 1 There are many modifiable risk factors attributed to gastric cancer, these risks range from diet to lifestyle changes.
In addition, there are also factors that play roles in preventing gastric cancer. Research has shown that that vegetables and fruits have may possibly have protective factors that minimize one’s chances of developing gastric cancer. Studies have shown that individuals who consume citrus fruits have a lower chance of developing certain gastric cancers. 5 However, consuming a large amount of salt and foods preserved with salt has been linked to gastric cancer. Research has revealed that smokers have a higher risk of developing gastric cancer.1 Studies conducted on red meat and processed meat revealed that they, too, are attributed to a higher rate of developing gastric cancer. It is believed that the heme-iron plays a role in the development of a compound called N-nitroso, a known carcinogen. One potential factor that contributes to the growth of H. pylori is damage to the DNA and the oxidative stress that iron molecules cause. 6 In the past, researchers have tried to link dairy products and the development of gastric cancer. However, they researchers found that the consumption of milk was not related with the development of gastric cancer.7 Another factor contributing to the development of gastric cancer is having a sedentary lifestyle, especially among the …show more content…
elderly.8 There exists a large sum of reasons why gastric cancer is declining. In today’s western society, many people use refrigeration that increases the accessibility of vegetables and fruits. There is also a decrease in the need for preserved and salted foods. Public health programs have also been improved, which has reduced the incidence in H. pylori. In addition, the rate of smoking has decreased. This is believed to have reduced the rates of gastric cancer in the USA and the UK. However, there has been an increase in obesity rates throughout the United States, which is speculated to be interrelated to the increases rates of cardia gastric cancer.1 Since gastric cancer is not a common cancer in the United States there are not many programs or policy’s directed at individuals with the malignancy. However, certain tactics have been recommended to individuals who are considered at risk. These policies use the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention system. The recommendations eradication of the H. pylori bacteria, modification of lifestyle choices, such as smoking and obesity management, screening methods for detecting the cancer early, surveillance of lesions that are determined to be pre-cancerous. Researches also recommended for an individual to be screened around the age of 20. This screening method was determined to be the most cost effective, and revealed a 14.5% reduction in cancer risk and in women there was a reduction of 26.6%.1 However, in Japan there is a strategic approach in the prevention of gastric cancer. Different organization worked together in developing a new method for the eradication of this particular malady. The proposal was executed in 2013, and it contains two components. One component is geared towards the younger population, specifically for people aged 20 or less years. It is recommended that this population be tested and treated for the H. pylori bacterial infection. The next component targets the population of people 50 years and above. For this population, the recommendation is to receive H. pylori eradication theory along with endoscopic examination.1 To conclude, gastric cancer is one of the most deadly malignancies throughout the world.
While gastric cancer is more prevalent in eastern countries, many individuals are affected by the malady in the United States as well. There are number a treatment and prevention methods such as submucosal dissection and eradicating the H. pylori bacteria. Smoking, alcohol use, red and processed meat consumption, and a diet high in salt attribute to a higher risk of gastric cancer. H. pylori are one of the primary risk factors of gastric cancer. However, in Africa and India there is an inverse relationship between gastric cancer and the H. pylori bacteria. In the United States, there are not many policies or programs enacted to educate the population on gastric cancer. However, Japan has constructed a strategy to help reduce the incidence rates of gastric cancer. There is plenty of information to enact a program in the United States, because while gastric cancer is not a common malignancy it is still devastating and destructive. Programs should be endorsed to educate the population on prevention and treatment methods. Community Nutritionist would be able to play a large role in this program. These professionals are experts on nutrition and will be able to assist the at risk population on dietary guidelines. They will also be able to promote other preventative strategies through the primary, secondary, tertiary
system.
In the article, “An Endangered Species in the Stomach” by Martin J. Blaser, he talks about a 60,000 year old bacterium living in the human stomach, named “Helicobacter pylori”. H. pylori was first isolated for investigation in 1982 by Barry J. Marshall and J. Robin Warren. Later researchers discovered that H. pylori was responsible for developing peptic ulcers, breaks in the lining of the stomach, or could also cause stomach cancer. For the past 100 years, there has been decrease in H. pylori bacteria in humans due to the widespread use of antibiotics and improved hygiene. At the same time, the disappearance of H. pylori caused an unexpected rise in the acid reflux disease and a deadly type of esophageal cancer. Making H pylori a vital microorganism to research in order to expand the study of microbiology and its interaction with humans.
Cancer is one of the 9 National Health Priority Areas (NHPA), areas which account for a significant portion of the burden of disease, but have sizeable potential for improvement. In Australia, CRC is the second most common cancer, after prostate (in men) and breast cancer (in women) (AIHW, Cancer incidence projections). The incidence has gradually increased (by 13% in males from 1982-2007) (AIHW, Cancer in Australia an overview). This is compounded by the ageing population and population growth, with 14,860 new cases in 2010 (http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer). This graph demonstrates this upward trend ((AIHW, Cancer incidence projections):
Colorectal cancer, or CRC, affects African American men and women more than Caucasians, at a rate 20% higher. This is concerning when faced with the mortality rates among African Americans, 28% higher for women and 14% higher for men than for Whites. African Americans are also more likely to be in later stages of the disease when diagnosed. There is a need to study and evaluate why these factors exist, as proper screening and early diagnosis can severely impact survival rates for CRC. One study attempts to find the solution through testing, however, this study slightly discredits itself along the way.
According to Michael Pollan, the best way to eat healthily is to grow fresh vegetables. Pollan’s documentary effectively contributes evidence that eating mostly plants is naturally beneficial and prevents disease. In an experiment conducted by Steven O’Keefe, data reveals that colon cancer is more common in the United States than in Africa. The documentary simply states that the people of Africa eat mostly plants. Michael Pollan suggests that the lack of plant foods in the American diet causes a lack of fiber intake. After collecting this data, Steven O’Keefe swaps the diet of an African and American. This study eventually exposed that more vegetables in a diet can support colon health and prevent colon cancer. When stated so logically, Michael Pollan convinces the viewer that eating “mostly plants” is a necessary change for our health. He argues that historically, eating plants have been naturally healthy to various cultures and has potential to raise the well being of America.
"Red meat and colon cancer." Harvard Health Publications. Harvard, Mar. 2008. Web. 1 Apr. 2014.
Colon cancer develops in the part of the gastrointestinal tract that absorbs water and minerals before waste products are disposed via the rectum. In women endometrial cancer is related to colon cancer. This type of cancer is the second leading cause of death due to cancer in the United States. Over one-hundred fifty thousand individuals will be diagnosed this year and this cancer will probably be responsible for about 47,900 deaths in 1999 (http://www.cancer.org). Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas that develop from the glandular cells. Ninety percent of all colon cancer cases will develop in individuals after 50 years of age. Ninety percent of all tumors arise from polyps that are commonly found in people older than 50. Prevention includes regular exercise and a diet high in fiber. The most important risk factor is age. Medical screening includes a yearly blood occult test after age 50 and a colonoscopy every 3 years after age 50. Regular screening detects polyps that have become precancerous. If regular screening is not done, the cancer is not detected until blood is found in the...
In the cells, obesity leads to the decrease in gut microbia, which in turn will increase the levels of deoxycholic acid (DCA). DCA is able to stimulate senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that has been shown to contribute to cancer development (6). SASP factors have been known to affect cell growth that has to do with inflammation and tumorigenesis promotion. IL-6 and PAI-14,5 have also been shows to increase liver cancer in obese mice (6). In a study done with mice, two different groups were fed different dietary foods. One group was fed a high-fat diet while the other followed a more normal lean die...
The typical diet of the average Japanese citizen is much healthier than that of an average American citizen. The Japanese diet is vastly different than the common western diet in terms of ingredients used, portion size, preparation, and relationship between its users and their food. While Americans commonly opt for unhealthy food high in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium, many people of Japan benefit from their healthy choice of rice, fish, vegetables, and soy products. The Japanese style of preparing and serving food is also very intricate and deliberate, which encourages diners to truly appreciate their food, instead of rushing through each meal without much thought, as done in the United States. The typical Japanese diet offers its users increased immunity and can help prevent against some cancers, heart and cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, among other illnessesi. The diet typically followed in the United States is grossly opposite in that many commonly consumed unhealthy foods have been determined to actually cause the same diseases that the Japanese diet works against, including but not limited to heart disease, some cancer, and diabetes.
To prevent new cancers from taking off, scientists look at risk factors and protective agents. Anything that increases your chance of getting cancer is called a cancer risk factor; anything that lessens your chance of getting cancer is called a cancer protective factor. Some risk factors for cancer can be averted, but many cannot. For instance, both smoking and inheriting certain genes are risk factors for some types of cancer, but only smoking can be avoided. Normal excise and a healthy diet can help reduces the chances, but do not promise.
The documentary uses correlation as causation which isn’t true. It stated many times throughout the film that there is a correlation with protein consumption and tumor growth. They use many examples like that within this film. Forks Over Knives (2011), “During the same time the way American ate was changing, again, the number of fast food franchises was exploding as more and more over scheduled Americans began using them as a convenient way to feed themselves and their families. While the fast food revolution was sweeping the nation the rate of cancer deaths in America was continuing to rise.” They don’t state what types
Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of
Everyone is born with certain genetic mutations that make the them more likely to develop cancer in a later time in life. Though they might have a genetic feature, cancer will not develop unless triggered by environmental factors such as air and water pollution. As a matter of fact, my grandfather started smoking alongside consuming heavy amounts of alcohol around the age of 15, smoking and heavy alcohol intake have been considered as one of the potential causes of colon
The presence of Helicobacter pylori infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract has been found to be more common in rural non-developed areas in India. Many factors contribute to this infection, which is often then associated into becoming peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Many parts in the developing country of India consist of diets low in fruits, vegetables, and high intake of sodium such as salted fish (Fock & Ang, 2010). The insanitary conditions also have increased risks of Helicobacter pylori transmission to others and a growing rate of the infection across India.
Two- four percent of all cancer cases are either caused by or related to drinking alcohol. Alcohol related cancer does not just affect one area of the body it affects a number of areas the esophagus, mouth, la...
The first thing I am going to talk about is Cancer. There are certain foods that you should try and avoid in order to decrease your risk of getting cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic they suggest that you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Along with other foods that will come from plant sources. Whole grains and beans are another good source of food that you should eat. They recommend that we should limit our fat intake. Eat lighter and leaner by picking out fewer high – fat foods, especially the ones that are from animal ...