Sistema Gastrointestinal e Digestivo

Abstrato

An Overview on Factors Underlying Gastric Cancer; Strategies for its Management With Particular Reference to Diet

Monica Gallo, Filomena Altieri, Chiara Stella Di Stadio, Giuseppina Miselli, Valentina Villano, Paolo Arcari, Emilia Rippa

The incidence of stomach cancer and the number of victims of this disease have decreased dramatically over the last 60 years. However, gastric cancer still remains a very serious disease that requires further studies to enlarge knowledge on its causes and to prevention methods. To date, the causes of gastric cancer are still not yet well known but it is clear that some people are more prone than others to develop this disease. Gastric cancer affects mostly adults aged 55 and over and men in percentage double than women. Stomach ulcer apparently does not increase the risk of gastric cancer however, Helicobacter pylori, usually due to inflammation and gastric ulcers, may be an important risk factor for this disease. Moreover, patients who have undergone stomach surgery or suffering from pernicious anemia, achlorhydria or atrophic gastritis (that typically produce a reduction in the amount of acid) are subject to a higher risk of gastric cancer. Exposure in workplaces to certain agents such as dust or fumes is linked to a higher risk than average of developing stomach cancer. Smoking also contributes to increase this risk. Moreover, epidemiological studies and animal models, conducted for years, have shown that some eating habits can increase the risk of cancer. Other studies instead report that fresh foods (especially fruits and vegetables) play a protective function against gastric cancer. For this reason, this paper provides an overview of the possible causes of gastric cancer and the different therapeutic approaches, focusing in particular on the effects of diet.