According
to reports, although the incidence rate of gastric cancer in China has shown a
downward trend, it still ranks fifth among various types of cancer, and its
mortality rate ranks third. The poor prognosis highlights the importance of
early screening and treatment. This trend is also evident in Hainan, where
gastric cancer has become one of the top gastrointestinal tumors in terms of
incidence rate, ranking among the top five cancer types in the province.
Two
core factors
When
it comes to the causes of the high incidence of stomach cancer in Hainan, Dr.
Tu Ruisha points to two core factors: dietary habits and Helicobacter pylori
infection. "The pickled products favored by Hainan people, such as dried
fish, as well as the nitrates contained in high-salt diets, can be converted
into strong carcinogens, nitrosamines, in the body;
"Fried
and grilled foods, which are common in nightlife, can produce carcinogens such
as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under high-temperature cooking." She
specifically warned that the popular habit of enjoying grilled snacks late at
night among young people may directly increase the risk of stomach cancer.
In addition, as a class 1 carcinogen identified by the World Health Organization, Helicobacter pylori has a co-infection rate of approximately 70% in patients with gastric cancer. Its characteristic of transmission through oral-oral contact also makes family protection particularly important.
Gastritis turns into "gastric cancer"
"The
early symptoms of gastric cancer are easily confused with those of ordinary
gastritis, which is the key reason why most patients are diagnosed with
advanced gastric cancer." Dr. Tu Ruisha pointed out that atypical symptoms
such as abdominal fullness, dull pain, acid reflux, and belching are often
ignored by patients as "old stomach problems".
She emphasized that when there are "changing" signals such as changes in pain patterns (from postprandial or empty abdominal pain to persistent irregular pain), failure of commonly used stomach medications, unexplained loss of appetite and weight loss, and persistent abdominal distension and belching for more than two weeks without relief, immediate medical screening is necessary.
highlight the key points
For individuals at high risk of gastric cancer, Dr. Tu Ruisha clearly defines them based on national guidelines: those aged 45 and above who have one of the following factors are considered high-risk groups: coming from areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer, having a family history of gastric cancer, being infected with Helicobacter pylori, suffering from precancerous conditions such as gastric ulcer, or having undergone gastric surgery with residual stomach, as well as having unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and a high-salt, pickled diet. She emphasizes that Helicobacter pylori infection should be actively eradicated regardless of symptoms. Research data shows that eradication therapy can reduce the risk of gastric cancer by about 40%. Currently, the eradication rate of the standard quadruple therapy is close to 90%. Furthermore, eradication therapy can not only protect one's own health but also reduce the risk of family transmission.
In terms of treatment, Dr. Tu Ruisha shared an inspiring case: Patient Brother Li was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer eight years ago. Two years after surgery, he developed abdominal lymph node metastasis. Despite discouragement from friends and relatives, he persisted with the comprehensive treatment plan of "local radiotherapy + systemic therapy". Now, he has achieved eight years without recurrence and has become a "cancer-fighting star". She said that with the application of new drugs such as immunotherapy, even patients with advanced gastric cancer can significantly prolong their survival, and the five-year survival rate for early gastric cancer is as high as over 90%, fully demonstrating the important value of early detection and scientific treatment.
Dr. Tu Ruisha concluded that the core of gastric cancer prevention and treatment lies in "prevention is more important than treatment". She strongly recommended that high-risk groups undergo regular gastroscopy screening, and called on the public to improve their dietary habits, reduce intake of high-salt, pickled, and grilled foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, maintain a happy mood, and reduce the risk of gastric cancer from the source. "Scientific prevention and control combined with active treatment can maximize the victory over the threat of gastric cancer," said Dr. Tu Ruisha.
Expert Introduction
Tu Ruisha
Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Ward 1, Gastrointestinal Surgery Department
Chief Physician
Secretary-General of Hainan Provincial Cancer Prevention and Control Association
Other high-level talents in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
She is skilled in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer, single-port laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer, endoscopic thyroidectomy, and other surgeries.
Clinic Hours
Monday morning and afternoon, Tuesday afternoon
Reproduced | Phoenix News, Hainan