Tips for preventing stomach (stomach) cancer

Indeed, there is no sure way to prevent cancer, be it in the stomach or stomach lining. However, health experts recommend an approach in the form of avoiding or limiting things that can increase the risk.

Reporting from the American Cancer Society, there are several ways to prevent stomach cancer, namely:

1. Stop smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of proximal stomach cancer, which is the part of the stomach closest to the esophagus. Not only that, this bad habit can also increase the risk of other types of cancer, such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, and other types of cancer.

So, what you can do to prevent stomach cancer is to stop smoking. Try to reduce the number of cigarettes slowly until you can completely get rid of this habit.

2. Be careful when using aspirin

Aspirin is a drug that is often used to relieve pain, for example, arthritis. However, you need to know that using this drug can increase the risk of stomach cancer because it triggers the growth of polyps and internal bleeding in the stomach and stomach lining.

If you need pain medication, it is better to try paracetamol as the main option. If you really have to use aspirin, just use it if needed and don't forget to consult a doctor to make it safer.

3. Maintain a diet and exercise routine

The next step to prevent stomach (stomach) cancer is to maintain a diet and exercise routine. Increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts that are rich in antioxidants, for example pineapple, oranges, broccoli, green tea, wheat and almonds.

You should also limit your consumption of foods that are burnt, oily or high in fat, processed foods, foods high in sugar, and alcohol. Then, balance it with regular exercise. Both can keep the body healthy and help control ideal body weight.

If you want to get additional antioxidants through supplements, don't forget to consult your doctor first.

4. Treat H.pylori bacterial infection

H. pylori bacterial infection is one of the causes of the high risk of stomach cancer (stomach). This is because these bacteria can infect the lining of the stomach or stomach, causing an injury, which at any time can trigger the surrounding cells to become abnormal.

Generally, this bacterial infection causes ulcer symptoms. In order to detect infection, you can undergo a breath test. If the results are positive, you will be given antibiotics. Follow this treatment completely as a measure to prevent the development of stomach cancer (stomach).

5. Get genetic testing

The risk of cancer can also be high due to hereditary stomach (stomach) cancer syndrome or those who have had breast cancer. If you have a family member with a history of this disease, genetic testing will need to be done to see if you are also at risk or not.

This action can be a prevention of stomach cancer because it helps you know the risk as well as will get directions from the oncologist to reduce the risk.

Healthy lifestyle for people with stomach (stomach) cancer

If you have tried to take precautions, but then the doctor diagnosed you with stomach (stomach) cancer, of course you will feel sad and anxious. However, don't let yourself get lost in sadness. When you can calm down, the next step is to try to get up from that condition.

Apart from undergoing gastric cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. You also have to adopt the right lifestyle for cancer patients so that your condition remains healthy.

This lifestyle is done not only as a measure to prevent the spread of stomach cancer, but also to help increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment so that your quality of life will be better.

The following is the implementation of a healthy lifestyle that is right for stomach or stomach cancer patients, namely:

1. Follow the cancer treatment as directed by the doctor

The way to prevent stomach cancer from getting worse is to follow the treatment according to the doctor's direction. This includes routine health checks, a schedule of treatment and screening tests, and follow-up consultations regarding home cancer care.

2. Follow a cancer diet

Nutrition is very important for gastric (stomach) cancer patients. Unfortunately, the side effects of cancer treatment and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite make it difficult for patients to eat properly. This is why, patients need to be on a cancer diet.

Cancer patients are recommended to eat small portions every 2-3 hours. Food choices for people with stomach cancer (stomach) are very diverse, ranging from vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds are allowed. For example, lemons, oranges, broccoli, and green tea.

However, in patients who use a jejunostomy tube, only foods that can be consumed can be in the form of liquids. Consult more in this matter oncologists and nutritionists who treat your condition.

3. Avoid various things that can increase the risk

Actually, precautions and tips for a healthy life with stomach cancer are almost the same. You must avoid things that can increase the risk, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Then, stay away from food restrictions for people with stomach cancer such as baked goods and preservatives.

4. Exercise regularly and avoid infection

In order for the application of a healthy lifestyle to be more perfect, you must ensure that you stay active, by exercising regularly. No need to choose a difficult sport, just go for a leisurely walk or brisk walk, bike, or swim.

If you have just had surgery to remove cancer cells, you can do sports after 4-6 weeks postoperatively.