November is National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.
Although it’s the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world, you don’t have to stomach stomach cancer! Lower your risk by changing some lifestyle habits.
The Stats
• Almost two thirds of people with stomach cancer are 65 or older
• The risk of a person developing stomach cancer in their lifetime is about 1 in 114
• Men have a slightly higher risk than women
Contributing Factors
• Smoking
• H. Pylori infection (a common cause of stomach ulcers)
• High intake of salted and smoked foods
• Inadequate fresh fruit and vegetable intake
Risk Reduction
• Vitamin C: Enjoy citrus fruits, red bell peppers and broccoli
o Lightly steam veggies to retain Vitamin C. High temperatures and long cooking times destroy more of the vitamin
• Carotenoids: The beta carotene in carrots, the lutein in spinach and the lycopene in cooked tomatoes are chemo-protective
o Think veggie pizza with a spinach salad on the side
• Allium: Garlic, onions, leeks and chives contain this anti-cancer compound
o Sprinkle chopped green onions on just about anything from omelets to soups
• Green tea: At least 5 cups a day of green tea may reduce your risk of stomach cancer by up to 14 percent
o Try one or 2 cups a day to start
Learn more about stomach cancer at The National Cancer Institute
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References:
1. American Cancer Society, 2. National Cancer Institute, 3. Kanh, Hyunseok, et al. Green Tea Consumption and Stomach Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis. Epidemiol Health. 2010; 32.
