How to Prevent Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer, or cancer of the stomach, was responsible for more than 10,000 deaths in 2008 according to the Cancer website. Gastric cancer affects the tissue lining of the stomach. As it progresses, gastric cancer can cause constant nausea, vomiting and extreme weight loss. As with most cancers, the primary cause has not been discovered. However, there are certain risk factors that can be managed. Since gastric cancer is hard to diagnose in its early stages, it is best to take steps in preventing its growth.

Instructions

• 1

  Remove any excess salt intake. The National Cancer Institute reports that excessive salt is a known contributing factor. It also helps to have a high fiber diet made of fruits and vegetables. Studies also show that an increase of micronutrients, beta carotene and Vitamin C can ward off gastric cancer.

• 2

  Increase the amount of broccoli sprouts you eat on a daily basis. The April 2009 "Cancer Prevention Research" journal featured a study by Japanese scientists that found that broccoli sprouts reduce the amount of a certain bacterium related to gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that lives in 50 percent of people's stomach linings, can be reduced by 40 percent by eating at least 2.5 oz. of broccoli a day for two months.

• 3

  Reduce any tobacco use. The Cancer organization claims that stomach cancer diagnoses are twice the rate in smokers versus non-smokers. Tobacco prepared for smoking contains more than 40 known carcinogens that can promote other cancers beyond gastric cancer as well. These carcinogens can damage the esophagus, especially the area closest to the stomach.

• 4

  Manage any previously existing reflux conditions, such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Conditions like GERD can lead to an abnormal cellular lining development. This abnormal development can increase cancer development risks at the stomach and esophagus junction.