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Many people that have frequent stomach bloating are worried as to whether bloating is a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Stomach bloating has scientifically not been associated with stomach cancer or colorectal cancer. However, bloating is a sign or symptom of stomach cancer.
Therefore, bloating does not cause stomach cancer but stomach cancer can cause bloating. When you have bloating frequently, you should never get worried that you may end up having stomach cancer.
But you should move with speed to find the remedies for stomach bloating. This way, you can avoid other complications that are not necessarily related to cancer.
Some of the possible complications of long-term bloating include Visible blood in stool, vomiting, and diarrhea. Others are postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, significant weight loss, and continuous constipation. You may also suffer very severe heartburn.
So, you should consider visiting your doctor for a checkup if this is your situation. Your doctor may carry out some tests on you and intervene appropriately.
What Causes Stomach Cancer?
Like many other types of cancers, the cause of stomach cancer is idiopathic (Unknown). However, there are many associated risk factors that have been recognized and can be avoided.
These risk factors include:
Smoking: Research has found this factor risky for nearly all types of cancers including stomach cancer. You should avoid smoking at whatever cost.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: When you have this disease, excess acid from your stomach will rise up to the esophagus and cause very discomforting and sometimes painful irritation
Helicobacter pylori: This is a Gram-negative bacteria that infects the stomach. Its global prevalence has risen sharply in the recent past. It is considered a low-grade risk factor for stomach cancer.
Poor Intake of Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy immune system. Part of the reason why you may get cancer is a weak immune system. Therefore, people with poor eating habits with regards to fruits and vegetables can be more vulnerable to stomach cancer
Gastritis: This is a chronic inflammation of the stomach. When you have this situation uncorrected for a long time, it becomes a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Obesity: Accumulation of too much fat especially the ‘bad cholesterol’ in your body can be a risk factor for stomach cancer. Therefore, do not allow the accumulation of fats to go unchecked. Try to cut fats and carbohydrates from your diet as much as possible. In addition, lots of exercises can also help.
Heredity: If you come from a family where people have had a history of stomach cancer, there is a higher probability of suffering from the same compared to other people without such a history.
Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
There are many signs and symptoms of stomach cancer. Stomach bloating is one of the most common and persistent symptoms of stomach cancer.
Other symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Continuous Fatigue
- Poor Appetite
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Blood-stained Stool
- Change in Frequency of Bowel Habits
Treatment of Stomach Cancer
We have several approaches to the treatment of stomach cancer. But there is no cure for this disease. The success of the treatment of cancer depends on the stage at which it is discovered and accurately diagnosed.
Besides the standard treatment options like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, you could also address the symptoms. Reducing the symptoms can help mitigate their effects for relief and better quality of life.
For instance, you can reduce bloating as follows:
Reduction of Stomach Bloating
To significantly reduce bloating, you can:
- Take ginger tea every day
- Avoid chewing gum
- Avoid gas-producing food
- Use digestive enzymes to aid your digestion
- Avoid gluten if you react to it
Eat A lot of Fruits
One of the best ways to beat any type of cancer is to improve the strength of the immune system. You can boost the immune system by using the food supplements that are available commercially on the market.
But the easiest way to boost your immune system is by fostering a culture of eating fruits whenever they are available and within your reach.
Conclusion
Stomach bloating does not expressly cause stomach cancer. However, bloating is one of the signs that aggravate the discomfort for stomach cancer patients.