The Rising Rate of Stomach Cancer in Young Koreans: A link to Dietary Habits and the Importance of Early Detection
Stomach cancer, traditionally considered a disease of older adults, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger Koreans, raising concerns among medical professionals. While multiple factors contribute to this trend, dietary habits are emerging as a important concern. Early detection through advanced endoscopic techniques is proving crucial in improving treatment outcomes.
Confirmation of stomach cancer relies on a two-pronged approach: gastroscopy, allowing direct visualization of the gastric mucosa with an endoscope, and subsequent tissue examination via biopsy to determine the cancer’s type and stage. Further evaluation of the cancer’s extent and lymph node involvement is achieved through imaging tests like CT scans, abdominal ultrasound, and PET-CT scans. Accurate diagnosis, notably in the early stages, requires skilled endoscopy due to the often subtle nature of early lesions.
Treatment options vary depending on the stage and the patient’s overall condition, encompassing endoscopic resection, surgery, and chemotherapy. Though, a significant advancement in treatment focuses on minimizing invasive procedures.
Early Gastric Cancer and the Promise of Endoscopic Resection
For early-stage stomach cancer confined to the mucosa, complete cure is often achievable through endoscopic resection (ESD) – a procedure that precisely removes cancerous tissue using an endoscope, preserving as much of the stomach’s natural function as possible. This method offers advantages over traditional surgery, including reduced pain, faster recovery, and a better quality of life for patients. The 5-year survival rate for endoscopic resection performed according to established standards is remarkably high, ranging from 90-95%, comparable to results achieved with gastrectomy surgery. However, treatment decisions must be individualized, considering factors like cancer size, depth, location, and histological characteristics.
The Importance of Vigilant Follow-Up,Even After Accomplished Resection
Even after successful removal of early stomach cancer lesions,ongoing monitoring is paramount. Patients who undergo endoscopic resection require continuous observation to detect potential recurrence at the treated site and to screen for new cancers elsewhere in the stomach. professor Soo-bi Park of the Department of Gastroenterology at Kangdong Kyunghee University Hospital emphasizes the need for “long-term follow-up by performing endoscopy and CT scans at six-month intervals for the first one to two years after treatment and at one-year intervals thereafter.”
Beyond regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for long-term management. This includes dietary modifications,such as reducing intake of salty and spicy foods,pickled products,and smoked meats,while increasing consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also vital, as these habits damage the stomach mucosa and elevate the risk of cancer recurrence.