Can a 10-year-old child get stomach cancer?

The chance of a 10-year-old child developing stomach cancer is extremely low, but not impossible. It is mainly related to genetic factors, long-term chronic stomach problems, special environment or eating habits. If a child has symptoms such as long-term abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, weight loss, black stools, etc., he needs to see a doctor as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1 Influence of genetic factors

Gastric cancer is extremely rare in children, but certain genetic diseases such as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may increase the risk of gastric cancer in children. If there is a history of gastric cancer or related genetic diseases in the family, the child's health needs to be monitored regularly.

2Possibility of long-term chronic gastric disease

Although gastric cancer is more common in the middle-aged and elderly, the potential risk of some chronic gastritis or Helicobacter pylori infection developing into gastric cancer may manifest early. The risk of Helicobacter pylori infection in children is directly related to hygiene conditions, eating habits, etc. If a child has long-term stomach discomfort, appropriate examinations should be carried out in a timely manner, such as gastroscopy, Helicobacter pylori testing, etc.

3. Bad eating habits and special environmental factors

Long-term consumption of high-salt, highly pickled or moldy foods may increase the risk of cancer. Long-term passive smoking or exposure to a heavily polluted environment can also have an adverse effect on stomach health. Adjusting the diet structure, avoiding junk food, and providing a clean living environment are effective preventive measures.

4 symptoms and warning signs

The early symptoms of gastric cancer are often atypical. If children have long-term abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, vomiting with blood, weight loss, black stools, etc., they must be alert and seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying the disease. If gastric cancer is diagnosed, treatment is mainly focused on early surgical resection, combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted drugs. Among them, surgery such as partial gastrectomy or total gastrectomy is one of the radical cures, and radiotherapy and chemotherapy are mainly used to prevent recurrence.

Although gastric cancer in children is very rare, parents still need to pay attention to their children's gastrointestinal health. Preventive measures include a balanced diet, maintaining good hygiene habits, and regular screening. If suspicious symptoms occur, consult the gastroenterology department in time to ensure early detection, early diagnosis and treatment, and avoid endangering health and life safety.