Experts warn that A common bacterium found in contaminated food and water is the cause of millions of cases of stomach cancer around the world. Research has revealed that although the most affected in particular Asian countries, A large number of cases have also been recorded in America, Africa and Europe. . The authors call on states to They gave larger investments in the fight against stomach cancer.
Millions of cases of stomach cancer
New Research by International Cancer Research Agency (IARC), which is part of the WHO, tried to determine the development of the number of gastric cancer cases in the world. Within the study that was, Scientists examined the incidence of this disease in 185 countries in 2022 and combined it with the forecasts of future deaths.
Found that Approximately 15.6 million patients born between 2008 and 2017 will face stomach cancer in his life. The largest number of cases with 10.6 million recorded in Asia, especially in countries like India and China. This was followed by America with two million cases, Africa with 1.7 million patients, Europe with 1.2 million cases, and oceania where scientists assume that approximately 70,000 people will suffer from this type of cancer.
Many of them cause a common bacterium
A team led by Dr. Jin Young Park He pointed out that up to 76 % of all cases will be caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori). This common species is spread by contact between people and contaminated food or water, most often infected by the mucosa of the stomach.
Many people are They may not realize that they are infected because the symptoms are often mild. When they manifest themselves, patients usually They mistake with common digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, heartburn or a quick feeling of fullness after a meal.
Helicobacter pylori infects the gastric mucosa. (illustration photo)
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Experts claim that a bacterium may cause an increase in the number of cases of stomach cancer that is often described as a “silent killer” because its symptoms can be easily confused with less severe conditions.
Between Early symptoms of this disease include persistent digestive problems, acid reflux or a rapid feeling of fullness, which often occur even in infection with the H. pylori bacterium. In addition, more severe symptoms including including difficulty swallowing, severe stomach pain, severe weight loss, extreme fatigue or swelling of the upper stomach.
The authors of the study They require states to offer financial assistance to prevent stomach cancer, especially through screening and treatment of H. Pylori. “It is essential to have included this task among their priorities“justified the park.
