The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Central Cancer Registration Headquarters (National Cancer Center) announced the national cancer registration statistics on the 27th. The number of new cancer patients in 2022 was 282,047. The most common cancers were thyroid cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer, in that order. The incidence rates of stomach, liver, and cervical cancers included in the national cancer screening program have been decreasing over the past decade. Notably, stomach cancer, which had been the most common cancer for decades, has dropped to fifth place, drawing attention. What changes are occurring with stomach cancer?

 

Which cancer occurred the most... female breast cancer, male lung cancer

 

Looking at the most common cancers by gender, women primarily develop breast cancer, thyroid cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer in that order. Men primarily develop lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid cancer in that order. In particular, stomach cancer has long been the most prevalent cancer but is showing a clear decreasing trend. This is likely due to the spread of health information leading to more cautious dietary habits, such as eating less salty food, which is a cause of the cancer. Men and women aged 40 and over can undergo national cancer screening with endoscopy every two years, which is also contributing to a decrease in mortality rates.

Stomach cancer: 29,487 cases... decreased from 1st to 5th place

 

Stomach cancer had 29,487 new cases in 2022, ranking fifth among cancers. The most common cancer was thyroid cancer with 33,914 cases. Following that were colon cancer with 33,158 cases, lung cancer with 32,313 cases, and breast cancer with 29,528 cases. It is notable that breast cancer has surpassed stomach cancer in the number of patients. In addition to genetic and hormonal factors, the spread of Western-style diets, such as high-calorie and high-fat foods, has led to an increase in breast cancer patients recently. Factors that cause stomach cancer include salty foods, charred foods, smoking, and Helicobacter pylori infection.

 

Reduced the habit of eating stew together... "Now a personal plate is essential"

 

The cause of stomach cancer cannot be overlooked as Helicobacter pylori infection. It is an infectious disease caused by spiral-shaped Helicobacter pylori bacteria that parasitize between the stomach mucosa and mucus. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified Helicobacter pylori, which can survive even in stomach acid, as a carcinogen that causes stomach cancer. Having two or more family members with stomach cancer is influenced not only by genetics but also by shared salty side dishes and the culture of eating stews with individual spoons. Nowadays, the use of small side dishes is common, which helps reduce the incidence of stomach cancer.

 

Neglected due to mistaken simple indigestion... Symptoms and prevention of stomach cancer?

 

To prevent stomach cancer, you must also quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of stomach cancer by 2.5 times (according to the National Cancer Information Center). This is because cigarette smoke containing carcinogens infiltrates the stomach and blood vessels, damaging the mucous membranes. Less salty and non-grilled foods, as well as vegetables and fruits such as leeks, garlic, and onions, which belong to the lily family, are good for the stomach lining.

 

Stomach cancer has no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, or abdominal pain appear, the disease is already quite advanced. However, it is often mistaken for simple indigestion and left untreated. Although the incidence of stomach cancer is decreasing, nearly 30,000 people are still diagnosed each year. Those with a family history should be especially cautious.

 

 

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The World Health Organization (WHO) classified Helicobacter pylori, which can survive in stomach acid, as a carcinogen that causes stomach cancer. Having two or more family members with stomach cancer is influenced not only by genetics but also by sharing salty side dishes and eating stew with individual spoons, which are cultural habits. Recently, the use of individual side plates has increased, helping to reduce the incidence of stomach cancer. [Photo = Getty Images Bank]

 

It used to be a common number one.

These days, it has decreased to fifth place.

 

In the case of stomach cancer, symptoms include heartburn and indigestion.

There is a diagnosis that can be known immediately.

Now, many people are also getting upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

It seems like you're doing it.

 

We should make it a habit to use a small plate~

Eating food together with family

We always use individual side plates.