India is on the brink of a public health crisis that many are unaware of. According to a new global study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), India is projected to witness over 16 lakh cases of gastric (stomach) cancer in people born between 2008 and 2017. These people face the risk of developing stomach cancer if action is not taken!
The study estimates that over 1.5 crore such cases could emerge worldwide in this birth cohort alone. A staggering 76% of these are linked to a single cause: infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). India and China together are expected to bear the largest share, with India emerging as one of the most vulnerable nations.
This crisis is both largely invisible and entirely preventable.
What Is Stomach Cancer?
Gastric cancer is cancer that forms in the lining of the stomach. It is a slow-growing disease and may not show early symptoms. This makes early detection harder as the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Symptoms, when they do appear, may include:
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Persistent stomach pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling full quickly after eating
Many people often mistake these signs for common digestive issues. This leads to a delay in getting the right diagnosis.
The Hidden Culprit behind Stomach Cancer: H. pylori
In India, studies show that up to 80% of adults may be infected with H. pylori. It is often caught in childhood through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene. The bacterium can stay in the body for years, causing silent inflammation in the stomach. Over time, this can lead to ulcers and eventually cancer.
What makes H. pylori so dangerous is its invisibility. Most people with it have no symptoms. But over the decades, this infection can damage the stomach lining so severely that it creates a breeding ground for cancerous growths.
Why India Is at Greater Risk of Stomach Cancer
India’s vulnerability to gastric cancer stems from several factors:
- High H. pylori prevalence: Many parts of the country have poor sanitation and unsafe water.
- Lack of awareness: Not many people know about H. pylori, and even fewer get tested for it.
- Delays in diagnosis: Many patients use over-the-counter antacids and home remedies to treat themselves. This can hide early warning signs of health issues.
- Dietary risks: Eating a lot of salted, pickled, or smoked foods, can increase your risk of health issues.
What Needs to Be Done Now
The good news is that H. pylori-related gastric cancer is highly preventable. Experts suggest that a few simple interventions could reduce future cases by up to 75%. Here’s what needs to happen:
- Mass Screening for H. pylori: Testing for H. pylori is a non-invasive and affordable procedure. A simple breath, blood, or stool test can detect the bacterium. Screening high-risk populations, especially in rural and low-income areas should be.
- Eradication Through Antibiotics: Once detected, H. pylori can be treated with a short course of antibiotics combined with acid-reducing medication.
- Better Hygiene and Sanitation: Making sure people have access to clean water, safe food handling, and handwashing can greatly lower the number of new H. pylori infections. This helps prevent cancer and improves overall health.
- Dietary Changes: Eating diets rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, fibre, and low in salt and processed foods can reduce the risk of cancer.
What You Can Do Today to Reduce the risk of Stomach Cancer
Even before policy changes come, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their families:
- Get tested for H. pylori if you have chronic stomach issues.
- Seek treatment if you test positive, don’t worry! It’s a curable condition.
- Eat fresh: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals.
- Boil your water in areas with a poor water supply.
- Wash hands thoroughly, especially before eating and cooking.
- Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, both of which increase cancer risk.
Final Thoughts
Stomach cancer doesn’t make headlines in India, but it should. With over 15 lakhs projected cases in the coming decades, this is a ticking time bomb. The tragedy is that most of these cases are preventable. The science is clear. The solutions are simple.
India can save millions of lives, especially among young people. We should not wait for this silent threat to become a bigger problem.
