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Healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity are most beneficial
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New Delhi, 28 April 2019:
Curcumin derived from the roots of Curcuma longa (turmeric plant) was found to help prevent or combat stomach cancer, said researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) and the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) in Brazil. In addition to curcumin, other compounds found to play a key role in modulating histone activity were cholecalciferol, resveratrol, quercetin, garcinol, and sodium butyrate (produced by gut bacteria via fermentation of dietary fiber).
According to World Cancer Research Fund International’s Stomach Cancer Statistics, globally, an estimated 9,52,000 new cases of gastric cancer are diagnosed each year, with about 7,23,000 lives being lost to the disease (i.e. a 72% mortality rate). In India, about 62,000 cases of stomach cancer are newly diagnosed annually (with an estimated 80% mortality).
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “Stomach cancer develops slowly over many years so there are no obvious symptoms at the start. Common symptoms include poor appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting (with or without blood), swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen, and blood in the stool. Some of these symptoms are treated as they appear and disappear, others continue despite treatment. Stress, smoking and alcoholism may contribute towards a high rate of the disease. Smoking particularly increases the chances of this condition.
In many places in India, the diet is low in fibre content. Excess of spicy and non-vegetarian food can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, which if left untreated can turn cancerous.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal said, “Stomach cancer requires adequate follow-up and post-treatment care, so it is important to meet with the healthcare team for regular check-ups. For the first few years, the latter are recommended every 3 to 6 months, and after that, annually. Though coping with life after a stomach cancer diagnosis is stressful at first, with the right treatment, lifestyle changes and support from doctors and well-wishers, patients can lead fulfilling lives.”
Some tips for a disease-free life from HCFI
- Exercise more Exercise has various benefits including preventing weight gain, controlling blood sugar levels, and other conditions. A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity every day is very beneficial.
- Eat healthy A diet rich in whole grain, fruits, and vegetables is very good for the body. Fibrous food will ensure that you feel fuller for a longer period and prevent any cravings. Avoid processed and refined food as much as possible.
- Limit your alcohol intake and quit smoking too much alcohol leads to weight gain and can increase your blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Men should limit drinks to two per day and women to one per day. Smokers are twice as likely to develop diabetes as non-smokers and therefore, it is a good idea to quit this habit.
- Understand your risk factors Doing so can help you in taking preventive measures at the earliest and avoid complications.
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