Alcohol, Processed Meat, Obesity All Linked To Stomach Cancer, Study Reveals

A report released by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reveals that eating processed meat, being overweight and/or drinking alcohol would likely heighten the risks of developing stomach cancer. The researchers examined 89 studies that involved 17.5 million adults; 77,000 of them were diagnosed with stomach cancers.

The American Institute for Cancer Research states that drinking three or more glasses of alcoholic drinks every day can increase the risk of stomach cancer. The risk would likely affect men, smokers and ex-smokers.

Other findings show that every 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of processed meat each day -- or one hot dog -- is equal to an increased risk of lower stomach cancer by 18 percent. It also heightens the risk of colorectal cancer.

Furthermore, there is also evidence that being overweight or obese is linked to developing cancer of the upper stomach (cardia). The researchers discovered that there is about 23 percent risk of upper stomach cancer for each five-unit increase in Body Mass Index.

Alice Bender, MS, RDN, and Head of Nutrition Programs at AICR, said that this report is a real wake-up call. She explained that obesity is now connected to eleven types of cancer, and they want Americans to know that there are steps everyone can take for cancer prevention and better health. She advised people to eat more vegetables, beans, fruits and other plant-based food, along with squeezing in a few more steps every day.

Stomach cancer is considered the third biggest cancer killer and the fifth most common cancer. It develops when the cancer cells, which become tumors, develop in the inner lining of the stomach. Other causes that may heighten the risk of stomach cancer include smoking, stomach surgery for an ulcer, certain genes, exposure to asbestos, working in coal, timber, metal or rubber industries, diet high in pickled, smoked or salty foods, Epstein-Barr virus infection and type A blood.

The symptoms of stomach cancer include, but are not limited to, heartburn, indigestion, feeling bloated after eating, loss of appetite and slight nausea. The treatments involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, chemoradiation and targeted drugs.