(k) Stomach Cancer gastric carcinoma and Lifestyle Factors such as oily cake, sweet foods 19 10 25

1. Overview of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, or gastric carcinoma, is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide. It usually originates from the mucosal lining of the stomach, often in association with chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, or dietary and lifestyle factors.
(Source: Bray et al., CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2021)

2. Oily and Fried Foods

  • Mechanism: Regular consumption of oily and fried foods—especially those high in trans fats or repeatedly heated oils—can lead to the formation of nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), both known carcinogens.

  • Effect: These compounds can damage the gastric mucosa and promote chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of malignant cell transformation.

  • Evidence: Studies in East Asia and Europe show a positive association between high-fat diets and gastric cancer risk.
    (Kim et al., Nutrients, 2020; World Cancer Research Fund, 2018)

3. Sweets and Refined Sugars

  • Mechanism: High intake of sugary foods can cause hyperinsulinemia and chronic inflammation, both of which promote tumor growth.

  • Indirect effect: Diets rich in refined carbohydrates may contribute to obesity, which is an independent risk factor for several cancers, including stomach cancer.

  • Evidence: Meta-analyses suggest that people consuming excessive sweets and soft drinks have a higher risk of gastric and esophageal cancers.
    (López-Carrillo et al., Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2020)

4. Alcohol Consumption

  • Mechanism: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and increases acetaldehyde production, a toxic metabolite with carcinogenic properties. It also enhances the absorption of other carcinogens from food.

  • Risk: Heavy drinkers are more likely to develop gastric cancer, particularly in combination with smoking or poor diet.

  • Evidence: WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen.
    (IARC Monographs, 2012)

5. Smoking

  • Mechanism: Tobacco smoke contains nitrosamines and benzopyrenes, which reach the stomach through saliva and bloodstream.

  • Effect: Smoking increases gastric acid secretion and delays healing of mucosal damage, predisposing to chronic gastritis and cancer.

  • Evidence: Smokers have about twice the risk of developing stomach cancer compared to non-smokers.
    (Ladeiras-Lopes et al., Gastroenterology, 2008)

6. Combined Lifestyle Effect

When oily foods, sweets, alcohol, and smoking habits coexist, the synergistic effect significantly heightens the risk:

  • Chronic irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining.

  • Increased oxidative stress and DNA damage.

  • Impaired immune defense against H. pylori infection.

7. Prevention

  • Limit fried and processed foods; prefer fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Reduce sugar intake and maintain a healthy weight.

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

  • Regular screening, especially if there is a family history or H. pylori infection.

References

  1. Bray, F. et al. (2021). CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 71(3), 209–249.

  2. Kim, J. et al. (2020). “Dietary fats and gastric cancer risk.” Nutrients, 12(2), 512.

  3. López-Carrillo, L. et al. (2020). “Sugary foods and gastric cancer risk.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 29(6), 1198–1205.

  4. IARC (2012). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: Alcohol Consumption and Ethyl Carbamate.

  5. Ladeiras-Lopes, R. et al. (2008). “Smoking and gastric cancer: systematic review.” Gastroenterology, 134(2), 446–456.

  6. World Cancer Research Fund (2018). Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Stomach Cancer.