Stomach cancer, which progresses silently and without symptoms for many years, is among the most common cancer types in Turkey. Referring to the data prepared by the Ministry of Health on stomach cancer in the past few days, Yeditepe University Hospitals Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Cengiz Pata made important warnings by stating that stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in men and the sixth most common in women, according to clinical protocol data.

Stomach cancer is most common in far eastern countries such as Japan and China. It is stated that the incidence rate in European countries and the USA is around 12-15 per 100 thousand. In the clinical protocol prepared, it was noted that with 14.2 per 100 thousand people, Turkey is in the group of medium-risk regions for gastric cancer. On the other hand, among all cancers, gastric cancer ranked fifth in men with 5.8 percent, and sixth in women with 3.7 percent.

“We Are the Most Obese Country in Europe”

It was pointed out in the protocol that the most important step in preventing stomach cancer is to prevent unhealthy nutrition, and it was stated that the incidence of stomach cancer increased in direct proportion to the increase in obesity. For this reason, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Cengiz Pata, who warned that weight control together with a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of stomach cancer, continued as follows: “Unfortunately, we rank first among European countries in obesity in recent years. We need to prevent this as soon as possible. On the other hand, a Western-style diet can also lead to an increase in stomach cancer. Especially frozen foods and fast food are very dangerous in this sense. It is seen that salted or pickled foods containing excessive salt, cooking meat on direct fire such as barbecue, and frequent consumption of processed meat and meat products increase the risk of stomach cancer.”

Watch Out for Helicobacter Pylori!

Pointing out that an infection due to stomach bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, can cause gastritis, ulcers, and even stomach cancer by changing tissue over the years, Yeditepe University Hospital Gastroenterology specialist Prof. Dr. Cengiz Pata said, “With the report published by the World Health Organization in 1994, helicobacter pylori was counted among the most important causes of stomach cancer. Helicobacter pylori can only live in the human stomach. Stomach acid kills all bacteria, but it can live in that acidic environment by secreting several enzymes. Helicobacter pylori are not transmitted from food or drink. It is transmitted from person to person. Mother-to-child transmission is one of the most common routes. It can live quietly in the stomach for many years. Years later, it may come together with other factors in another body and cause cancer in parallel with gastritis, ulcers, or tissue changes.”

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