FIVE MAJOR GROUPS ARE AT RISK: IF LEFT UNTREATED, STOMACH CANCER MAY DEVELOP

 DOCTORS WARN: HELICOBACTER PYLORI WILL NOT HEAL ON ITS OWN. IF LEFT UNTREATED, STOMACH CANCER MAY DEVELOP. FIVE MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS ARE AT RISK.


Many individuals may be infected with Helicobacter without even realizing it. Left untreated, this infection increases the risk of developing gastric cancer by sixfold compared to those without the infection. The potential danger posed by Helicobacter pylori cannot be underestimated. Is it possible for Helicobacter pylori to resolve on its own, and which groups are at a heightened risk?

Helicobacter pylori, a harmful bacterium, remains benign as long as it stays within the stomach. However, it will not naturally heal on its own. Only sterilization methods can prevent symptom worsening and the onset of conditions like chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer.

Despite this, many individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori may not display noticeable symptoms. How can they determine whether they carry the bacterium? Doctors emphasize that testing is the only way to confirm infection, and four testing methods are available:

  1. 1. Gastroscopy
  2. 2. Breath test
  3. 3. Blood test
  4. 4. Stool screening


(Image credit: Samir, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)


  1. Currently, 80% to 90% of gastric cancer patients have a history of Helicobacter pylori infection. As a result, it is advisable for the following five high-risk groups, which are more susceptible to gastric cancer due to Helicobacter pylori, to undergo early detection and sterilization to minimize the bacterium's impact on their health:

FIVE HIGH-RISK GROUPS FOR GASTRIC CANCER:

  1. 1. People with gastrointestinal diseases: This includes those suffering from chronic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, gastric mucosal small intestinal metaplasia, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers.

  2. 2. Frequent consumers of pickled and high-salt foods: Chemicals produced during the pickling process can induce chronic inflammation and cell damage, necessitating reduced consumption and heightened awareness of the risks of Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer.

  3. 3. Smokers: Nicotine and tar in tobacco can irritate the stomach and raise the risk of gastritis and gastric ulcers.

  4. 4. People with a family history of gastric cancer among first-degree relatives: Those with close relatives who have had gastric cancer face a 2-3 times higher risk of developing gastric cancer.

  5. 5. Those who have undergone gastrectomy surgery: Gastric resection surgery can compromise mucosal integrity, rendering individuals more susceptible to gastric cancer.

In addition to the aforementioned high-risk groups, medical professionals emphasize that Helicobacter pylori can be transmitted through saliva and feces. To prevent infection, frequent handwashing, avoidance of hand-to-mouth contact, and the use of public utensils like chopsticks and serving spoons are crucial. Helicobacter pylori is an adverse bacterium with a propensity for negative outcomes. Early treatment, detection, and prevention remain the fundamental approaches to averting and treating gastric cancer.



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