What causes gastrointestinal cancer

The main causes of gastrointestinal cancer include genetics, environmental factors, physiological changes and long-term accumulation of certain diseases. Each factor increases the risk of its occurrence and requires comprehensive attention to reduce the incidence.

Genetic factors are one of the important risks of gastrointestinal cancer. People with gastrointestinal cancer in their families may have a higher risk of the disease. This is because specific gene mutations may be passed down from generation to generation in the family, leading to abnormal gastrointestinal cell division. Environmental factors cannot be ignored either. Among them, unhealthy eating habits, such as long-term consumption of high-salt, smoked, pickled and over-scalded foods, can cause chronic damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and alcoholism can also significantly increase the possibility of gastrointestinal cancer. Physiological changes include aging and degenerative changes in the gastrointestinal mucosa after long-term exposure to external carcinogens. The elderly are a high-risk group for gastrointestinal cancer. Certain diseases such as Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic atrophic gastritis, adenomatous polyps, etc. may develop into gastrointestinal cancer. Long-term inflammation or lesions of the intestinal mucosa are often an important cause. Trauma and repeated gastrointestinal irritation injuries, such as gastric ulcers, may also cause cell mutations.

Genetic factors are one of the important risks of gastrointestinal cancer. People with gastrointestinal cancer in their families may have a higher risk of the disease. This is because specific gene mutations may be passed down from generation to generation in the family, leading to abnormal gastrointestinal cell division. Environmental factors cannot be ignored either. Among them, unhealthy eating habits, such as long-term consumption of high-salt, smoked, pickled and over-scalded foods, can cause chronic damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and alcoholism can also significantly increase the possibility of gastrointestinal cancer. Physiological changes include aging and degenerative changes in the gastrointestinal mucosa after long-term exposure to external carcinogens. The elderly are a high-risk group for gastrointestinal cancer. Certain diseases such as Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic atrophic gastritis, adenomatous polyps, etc. may develop into gastrointestinal cancer. Long-term inflammation or lesions of the intestinal mucosa are often an important cause. Trauma and repeated gastrointestinal irritation injuries, such as gastric ulcers, may also cause cell mutations.

The key to preventing gastrointestinal cancer is to improve your lifestyle habits. In terms of diet, eat more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables every day, reduce the intake of high-salt, high-fat foods, and avoid smoked and pickled foods. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and maintaining moderate exercise can also effectively reduce the risk. Regular physical examinations are also required, especially for middle-aged and elderly people, patients with gastrointestinal diseases or people with a high-risk family history. It is recommended to undergo regular gastrointestinal scopy to detect problems and intervene in precancerous lesions in the early stages. If you experience long-term abdominal pain, significant weight loss, or changes in bowel habits, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and receive timely treatment after a clear diagnosis. A healthy lifestyle and regular screening are effective measures to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancer.