Caution: Smoking Is Cancerous To Your Stomach
In 2020, over 1 million new cases of stomach cancer were reported worldwide, with approximately 769,000 deaths attributed to the disease
Smoking is widely recognised as one of the leading causes of various types of cancer, and stomach cancer is no exception. While lifestyle and environmental factors play a role, tobacco consumption significantly increases the risk of developing stomach cancer, a disease with high mortality rates worldwide.
The connection between smoking and stomach cancer stems from the harmful chemicals present in tobacco. Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. When these chemicals are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream and can directly damage the stomach lining.
The carcinogens in tobacco can cause inflammation and mutations in the cells of the stomach lining. Over time, this can lead to pre-cancerous changes, resulting in the development of malignant tumours. Smoking also increases acid production in the stomach, aggravating existing conditions like gastritis or Helicobacter pylori infection, both of which are risk factors for stomach cancer.
Worldwide overview
Globally, stomach cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2020, over 1 million new cases of stomach cancer were reported worldwide, with approximately 769,000 deaths attributed to the disease.
Smoking plays a critical role in this alarming statistic. Research suggests that smokers are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer as non-smokers. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 20% of stomach cancer cases globally are linked to smoking. Men, who generally have higher smoking rates than women, are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing that male smokers are at greater risk of developing stomach cancer than their female counterparts.
Home ground picture
India, which has a high prevalence of tobacco use, also faces a significant burden of stomach cancer. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016-2017, nearly 267 million adults in India use tobacco in some form, including smoking. This widespread consumption of tobacco has severe consequences for public health.
In India, stomach cancer is among the top ten most common cancers. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in 2020, approximately 43,000 new cases of stomach cancer were reported in the country, with a higher prevalence in northeastern states, where tobacco consumption is particularly high.
A 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Cancer highlighted that smoking increases the risk of stomach cancer by 1.5 to 2 times in India. The risk is even higher for those who consume both smoked and smokeless tobacco products. Indian men are disproportionately affected, primarily due to higher smoking rates among the male population.
Early detection, effective treatment
Detecting stomach cancer in its early stages is crucial for effective treatment. Endoscopy, particularly an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, is one of the most reliable tools for detecting stomach cancer early, allowing doctors to visually inspect the stomach lining and take biopsies if needed.
For high-risk individuals, such as those with a family history of stomach cancer or certain genetic conditions, periodic endoscopies are often recommended. Imaging techniques like CT scans and endoscopic ultrasounds can also help assess the extent of cancer spread.
In addition, non-invasive tests such as stool occult blood tests and advanced blood tests like pepsinogen screening only in high-risk cases may help in early detection by indicating abnormalities in stomach function or tissue.
Conclusion
The link between smoking and stomach cancer is well-established, a major public health concern both globally and in India. With millions of lives affected by tobacco use each year, addressing the smoking epidemic is crucial for reducing the incidence of stomach cancer and improving overall cancer survival rates. However, quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
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