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Several risk factors contribute to the development of gastric cancer, ranging from bacterial infection from Helicobacter pylori and chronic gastritis to dietary habits such as high salt consumption and low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Recent data suggests a concerning trend of younger patients presenting with advanced-stage disease, particularly aggressive subtypes like Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma, which carries a poorer prognosis.
Doctors are increasingly diagnosing gastric or stomach cancer in younger adults, with cases now emerging in people as young as their 30s, whereas it previously affected individuals primarily in their 50s and 60s. Recent data suggests a concerning trend of younger patients presenting with advanced-stage disease, particularly aggressive subtypes like Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma, which carries a poorer prognosis. This shift in demographics underscores the need for greater awareness and timely interventions, as early-stage cancers often remain asymptomatic and undetected until the disease progresses. Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Associate Director & Unit Head, GI Surgical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka shares all you need to know:
Several risk factors contribute to the development of gastric cancer, ranging from bacterial infection from Helicobacter pylori and chronic gastritis to dietary habits such as high salt consumption and low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. In younger adults, additional factors like genetic predispositions, including hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, play a significant role. Alarmingly, lifestyle changes and increased exposure to environmental carcinogens may be driving this age shift, necessitating a re-evaluation of health strategies.
While early detection remains critical, treatment options for gastric cancer have advanced significantly. Surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies remain the mainstay, but newer techniques such as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) are showing promise. HIPEC involves delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity post-surgery, targeting residual cancer cells more effectively while reducing systemic side effects. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for peritoneal metastases or cancer cells being spread to the abdominal cavity , a common and challenging complication in advanced gastric cancer. As these treatments evolve, raising awareness and encouraging regular screenings for high-risk individuals could significantly improve outcomes for this increasingly vulnerable younger demographic.
