The Challenges of Gastric Cancer: Early Detection is Key
Gastric cancer, frequently enough called a “silent killer” due to its subtle early symptoms, presents significant diagnostic and treatment challenges.While surgery and chemotherapy are the primary approaches for advanced cases, early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
For gastric cancer beyond the early stages, treatment typically involves surgery and chemotherapy. If the cancer can be fully removed surgically, the standard practice is complete resection of the affected area, followed by additional anticancer treatment for patients in stage 2 or higher. Though, if the cancer has spread to other organs or cannot be surgically removed, chemotherapy becomes the sole treatment option.
In rare instances, highly effective chemotherapy can shrink metastatic lesions enough to allow for subsequent surgery. Despite combined surgery and chemotherapy, the recurrence rate remains higher than that of early-stage gastric cancer, underscoring the importance of proactive screening.
surgical techniques are evolving. Traditionally, surgeons aimed to remove at least 5 to 6 centimeters of tissue above the visible tumor. Though, recent research suggests that removing less than 1 centimeter doesn’t significantly increase the risk of recurrence. Minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopy and robotic surgery, are becoming increasingly common, reducing physical trauma to the patient. Future advancements aim to further improve patient quality of life.
The development of gastric cancer isn’t attributed to a single cause, but rather to long-term damage or repeated irritation of the stomach lining by carcinogens. Key contributing factors include dietary habits and Helicobacter pylori infection. Diets high in carbohydrates relative to proteins and fats, charred or burnt foods, and heavily salted, pickled foods are considered risk factors. Individuals with chronic atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia – conditions identified during gastroscopy where the stomach lining changes – are also at higher risk.
Prevention is paramount. A balanced diet with appropriate proportions of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates is recommended, alongside a preference for bland foods. Avoiding burnt meats and fish,limiting salted and pickled foods,and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables are crucial steps.Minimizing intake of foods with artificial preservatives is also advised.
The risk of developing gastric cancer increases significantly after age 40. Thus, individuals over 40 are advised to undergo a gastroscopy at least once every two years, even in the absence of symptoms. Those identified as high-risk due to chronic atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia should have annual gastroscopies.
According to Min Min-hong, professor of gastrointestinal surgery at Asan Medical center in Seoul, proactive screening and lifestyle adjustments are vital in combating this challenging disease.
(Reporter Jeong Jong-hoon, sakehoon@joongang.co.kr)
