Gastric cancer is getting younger and younger. How to fight the battle to protect the "stomach"

Due to the accelerated pace of life, irregular diet, and increased mental stress, gastric cancer is becoming younger and younger. Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in my country. It ranks first among the causes of death from digestive tract malignancies. According to data, there are 400,000 new gastric cancer patients and 300,000 deaths in my country each year. The proportion of young people suffering from gastric cancer is increasing, and 15% of patients are young people under 40 years old.

Pay attention to hygiene, quit smoking and drinking to start the battle to protect your stomach

1. Quit smoking and drinking

Tobacco and alcohol are the most irritating factors to the stomach and intestines. Alcohol directly damages the gastric mucosa, causing widespread congestion and erosion of the gastric mucosa, and even ulcers.

Smoking is not only bad for the lungs, but also has a great impact on the stomach. Nicotine enters the blood and affects the blood supply to the gastric mucosa. It is not conducive to the self-repair of the gastric mucosa. In addition, tobacco and alcohol can induce or aggravate gastric ulcers and chronic gastritis.

2. Relax your mind

Excessive mental stress can lead to autonomic nervous dysfunction: gastric juice secretion disorders, reduced blood supply to the gastric mucosa, etc. In mild cases, it manifests as a poor appetite, and in severe cases, it can lead to gastric ulcers. This can be called "stomach disease" caused by worry.

3. Pay attention to hygiene

When it comes to keeping healthy, hygiene mainly refers to preventing Helicobacter pylori infection. This includes using your own tableware when eating and washing hands before meals. Helicobacter pylori is the culprit of many "stomach diseases", and not sharing tableware is a practical way to prevent it.

4. Chew slowly

Food should be chewed thoroughly in the mouth before it can be digested in the stomach. Large pieces of food are difficult to digest and can easily cause discomfort.

Many people do not chew their food thoroughly because of bad teeth, which eventually increases the digestive burden on the stomach. They should see a dentist.

5. Pay attention to the side effects of drugs

Common drugs that can easily damage the gastric mucosa include: aspirin, hormones, antipyretics, and analgesics. These drugs should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

6. Regular physical examinations

Digestive system diseases are sometimes difficult to distinguish from the feelings and symptoms. You cannot see through the belly. The feeling of stomach pain may be caused by anything from functional dyspepsia to gastric cancer. Even an experienced gastroenterologist will conduct a final diagnosis through examination.