Keeping cancer

There is no systematic method of screening for stomach cancer because of delayed diagnosis and high burden of the disease. Despite the high number of reported cancer cases, the actual burden could be much higher because many cases do not arrive on time at the institutes. After diagnosis, the management of stomach cancer also poses several problems because it is aggressive, rapidly invades neighboring tissues and has a very high rate of local and distant recurrence, says Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli, consultant oncology Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals. .

What is the incidence of stomach cancer in India? Why is it said that it is high in the south and east of India?
Cancer of the stomach is the fifth most important cancer in men and the third largest in women in Asia and the world. The rate of age-adjusted stomach cancer (RAA) among urban registers in India is 3.0-13.2. The incidence is more common in the southern and northeastern states of India. The incidence of gastric cancer in Mizoram is thought to be highest in India. APR for men and women was reported at 50.6 and 23.3 respectively.
Can stomach cancer be identified at an early stage? If not why?
Not always. The aggressiveness of the disease and the need to improve treatment options are clear from the fact that gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The high incidence of local and distant recurrence, even in patients with completely resectable gastric cancer, indicates the systemic spread of cancer very early in the disease. Thus, highlighting the need for multimodal treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Which age group is most affected by gastric cancer? And why does it affect one bad more than the other?
This is the second leading cause of cancer death among Indian men and women aged 15 to 44 years. Carcinogenesis of Helicobacter pylori is low in India. The advanced stage of the presentation is a source of concern. Men are more often affected because of their lifestyle.
Why is the problem acute in India?
The etiology of gastric cancer includes Helicobacter pylori infection, diet and lifestyle, smoking and alcohol consumption and genetic susceptibility. Pickled foods, high rice consumption, spicy food, excessive chili consumption, high temperature food consumption, smoked, dried or salted meat, soda consumption and salted dried fish consumption have become important dietary risk factors in various parts of India. These practices are prevalent in the southern and eastern states of India, where one also observes a higher frequency of gastric cases.
What is the treatment offered at early stages and late diagnoses?
Surgery is the treatment of choice. Multimodal treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are necessary for advanced disease. In advanced stages, the disease is usually treated with chemotherapy.
What are the preventive methods and from what age should this treatment be followed?
Primary prevention includes diet and lifestyle. Consumption of less marinated foods, salt and chilli. Including garlic, vegetables and fruits (rich in antioxidants) in the diet could probably protect against stomach cancer. You should also avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Can stomach cancer be genetic in nature?
Yes. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the NAT2 (N-acetyltransferase), interlukin-1B, GSTM1 and GSTT1 (Glutathione S-transferase) receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors Pro12Ala, COX (cyclooxygenase), have been reported to be significantly badociated with development of stomach cancer

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