Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Faculty Member Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sami Boşnak, due to Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, drew attention to the importance of early diagnosis in stomach cancer stating, “Unfortunately, only 10-20% of stomach cancer patients are diagnosed early”.

Stating that approximately one million people are diagnosed with stomach cancer every year in the world, Boşnak said that an average of 750 thousand people dies due to stomach cancer.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Boşnak stated that 1-3% of gastric cancer patients have familial predisposition, and went on to say, "The presence of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that survives in the stomach environment, increases the development of stomach cancer."

Stating in the event that Helicobacter pylori is detected in the stomach, the individual should diet and change their lifestyle, Boşnak said that increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables containing high vitamin C, and adding fiber rich foods to their daily diet are important in preventing cancer.

Boşnak stated that the intake of sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite used in processed meat products to prevent food spoilage, increase expiry dates and make their appearance more attractive, excessive salt consumption, foods with high salt content such as pickles, brine, salted meat and overcooked foods to, are defined as the first group carcinogen by the World Health Organization and suggested that such foods should be avoided.

Stating that only 10-20% of gastric cancer patients are diagnosed in the early period, Boşnak continued as follows: Today, satisfactory results can be obtained in early stage gastric cancer only with endoscopic procedures. Surgical treatment is effective only in patients diagnosed in the early period and successful results are obtained from cancer surgery when performed in experienced centers. Radiotherapy is part of the treatment of a particular patient group. While it was possible to treat only early stage patients with chemotherapy until recently, it is now possible to live a longer and higher quality life with targeted therapies developed today.

Boşnak said that indigestion, burning sensation in the stomach, pain in the abdomen or stomach area, bloating even with a small amount of food, difficulty swallowing and unexplained weight loss are the most common symptoms of stomach cancer and suggested that a health institution be consulted as soon as possible in the case of such symptoms.