How to Prevent Stomach Cancer

How to Prevent Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is cancer of the lining of the stomach. Cancer happens when cells become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. Stomach cancer usually develops slowly. It often shows no signs or symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. This can make treating the disease difficult.

Certain factors may make you more likely to develop stomach cancer. Some of these factors are related to nutrition and lifestyle choices. By making a few changes, you can reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer.

What types of nutrition changes can be made?

  • Eat more fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and carotenoids. Good choices include citrus fruits, such as oranges, red bell peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, and carrots. A general rule is to eat about 2½ cups of fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Eat foods that contain whole grains instead of processed grains. Examples of whole-grain foods include oats, whole wheat, bulgur, brown rice, quinoa, and millet.
  • Drink green tea.
  • Limit your intake of:
    • Smoked meats.
    • Salt-cured and pickled foods.
    • Salt.
  • Make sure that all the food you eat is properly cooked and stored. This will help prevent bacterial infection, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, which can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

What types of lifestyle changes can be made?

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight. Talk to your health care provider about a diet and exercise plan to safely lose weight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Avoid exposure to radiation.
  • See your health care provider if you develop any long-lasting (chronic) stomach or abdominal problems.

Why are these changes important?

In addition to making you less likely to get stomach cancer, these changes will also provide other health benefits, such as the following:

  • Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your overall health.
  • Cutting back on salt is good for your blood pressure and your heart.
  • Making sure that food is properly cooked and stored helps prevent food poisoning and infection from various types of bacteria.
  • Quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and losing weight if you are overweight can help reduce your risk for many other types of cancer.

What can happen if changes are not made?

If you do not take steps to reduce your risk, you may be more likely to develop stomach cancer. This type of cancer has no early symptoms. You might not know you have it until the cancer is advanced.

Where to find support

  • Your health care provider or a dietitian can help you create a healthy diet plan that can help reduce your risk of stomach cancer.
  • Some risk factors for stomach cancer are passed down through families. Talk to your health care provider or genetic counselor to learn more about genetic testing for cancer.
  • If you need help to quit smoking or using tobacco, visit these websites:

Where to find more information

Learn more about stomach cancer from:

Summary

  • Stomach cancer usually develops slowly and often shows no signs or symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. This can make treating the disease difficult.
  • Eating fruits and vegetables—and avoiding salt, cured and pickled foods, and smoked meats—can help reduce your risk of stomach cancer.
  • Making sure that food is properly prepared and stored is also important.
  • Lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk include quitting smoking, being more active, and losing weight if you are overweight.
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