While early-stage stomach cancer may not exhibit noticeable symptoms, the doctors emphasized the importance of regular screenings for high-risk individuals.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Chief S Somnath recently revealed he was diagnosed with stomach cancer on the day India’s Aditya-L1 mission was launched into space. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
Recently talking about his stomach cancer diagnosis and his recovery journey in a recent interview, S Somanath said he discovered a growth in his stomach on the day of solar mission Aditya-L1 launch.
“On the day Aditya-L1 was launched, I conducted a scan in the morning of that day. That was when I realised that I had a growth in my stomach. I gained a clue about it as soon as the launch occurred,”
“It was a shock for the family. But now, I perceive cancer and its treatment as a solution,” he said. He is completely cured now and will be undergoing check-ups and scans as a precautionary measure. The ISRO chief, however, did not reveal what type of stomach cancer he had.
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Once the problem was confirmed, he underwent an operation and chemotherapy, and is now ‘cured’ of the stomach cancer caused by a hereditary condition.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is a growth of cells that starts in the lining of stomach and may be caused by faulty lifestyle choices like smoking, and a diet of highly processed or salty foods. Most people who are diagnosed with stomach cancer are over the age of 60.
It is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death across the world and in India, the incidence of stomach cancer is on rise in the past decade due to factors like sedentary lifestyle, eating salty and processed foods.
Reasons for Stomach Cancer
Several factors increase the risk of stomach cancer such as a diet rich in smoked, salted or pickled foods, high consumption of alcohol or tobacco, a history of stomach irritation or ulcers, previous stomach surgery or family history.
Dr Vinay Gaikwad, Director- Surgical Oncology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, states, “The stomach is the organ that holds food and aids in the intestines’ subsequent digestion. Patients typically don’t notice symptoms until the disease is quite advanced since the structure is very extensible to accommodate food, even in cases where the malignancy is very huge.”
Types of Stomach Cancer
There are various types of stomach cancer, including adenocarcinoma, Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and primary gastric lymphoma.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Some common symptoms of stomach cancer include loss of appetite, trouble swallowing, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, unexplained weight loss, feeling bloated, vomiting blood, stomach pain above the belly button, often feeling full after a small meal, among others.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Various tests like some types of blood tests, a CT scan, barium swallow and MRI, endoscopic ultrasound, and upper endoscopy can help diagnose stomach cancer.
Special surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy are some treatment options suggested by experts depending on the diagnosis.
Prevention from Stomach Cancer
According to studies, an increased intake of Vitamin C and Vitamin C-rich foods, including vegetables and fruits, can protect people from gastric cancer.
According to the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research report, increased consumption of non-starchy vegetables and fruits may decrease the risk of gastric cancer.
Conclusion
In India, stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh most common cancer in women. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death globally. Stomach cancer cases in India have increased in the past years, mainly due to dietary practices and alcohol intake.
