Gastrointestinal cancer, also known as digestive cancer, is a cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. It includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Gastrointestinal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world.
The cause of gastrointestinal cancer is not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include smoking, obesity, a diet high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain inherited conditions. However, the root cause of gastrointestinal cancer may never be determined in many cases. The best cancer hospitals in Delhi will run preliminary tests to determine the nature of the disease for successful treatment.
Symptoms
The following signs and symptoms may characterize gastrointestinal cancer:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Having a feeling of bloating after eating
- Small amounts of food make you feel full.
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Feeling nauseated
- Pain in the abdomen
- Abrupt loss of weight
- Vomiting
Tips for reducing your risk of gastrointestinal cancer
Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract is a serious health concern. The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk. A few tips to keep in mind are:
Make healthy food choices
A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They have nutrients that will keep your body strong and healthy. They also contain antioxidants that can help fight off cell damage that can lead to cancer. In addition to eating these healthy foods, you should limit your intake of processed meats and high-fat dairy products. These items cause an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer. By making these simple changes to your diet, you can help reduce your chances of developing this disease.
Maintain a healthy body-weight
One of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer is to maintain a healthy weight. This cancer is common in people who are overweight or obese. Carrying excess weight around your middle will increase your risk even more.
There are many things you can do to maintain a healthy weight. First, consume a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, greens, and whole-grain foods. Second, keep away from refined foods, sweetened beverages, and red meat. Third, get regular exercise, and if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask experts at the best cancer hospital in Delhi.
Regular exercise
Exercise has many benefits for your overall health and can also help reduce your risk of gastrointestinal cancers. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing these cancers than those who do not exercise. It is likely because exercise helps improve the functioning of the digestive system and reduces inflammation in the body. In addition, as a result of exercise, the body weight is reduced, hormone levels are modulated, and the immune system is boosted. In addition, evidence suggests that regular exercise can help decrease certain cancers’ growth and stop them from spreading to other parts of the body.
Avoid tobacco
Tobacco is a major risk factor for numerous types of cancer, including gastrointestinal cancers. The more tobacco you use, the greater your risk of developing these cancers. Quitting tobacco reduces your risk of gastrointestinal cancers. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start. Avoiding tobacco is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers.
Limit alcohol
Drinking in moderation will reduce your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. To limit your alcohol consumption and reduce your risk of gastrointestinal cancers:
- Drink only in moderation. For men, this means no more than 2 drinks per day. For women, it means no more than 1 drink per day.
- If you choose to drink, do so with food. Eating will help slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
- Avoid binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks in 2 hours for men and 3 or more drinks in 2 hours for women.
Get vaccinated
Hepatitis B virus is one of the most common factors contributing to liver cancer. Hepatitis B vaccination provides you with protection against this disease.
Sleep long enough
New research has found that getting adequate sleep can help reduce your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. It is because sleep helps reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to cancer. In addition, the research found that people who slept for shorter periods were more likely to be obese, and obesity is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers.
Get screened for cancer
Early detection and treatment of cancer can improve survival rates. Gastrointestinal cancers account for a significant number of cancer deaths each year. Screening tests from the best cancer hospitals in Delhi can help detect cancer at an early stage when it is more likely to be treated successfully.
Several screening tests can be used to look for gastrointestinal cancers. These include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool tests.
Conclusion
Gastrointestinal cancers are preventable, and the risk can be reduced by making healthy lifestyle choices and being aware of family history. However, early detection is also key, so it is important to be vigilant about changes in your body and to consult specialists at the best cancer hospitals in Delhi if you have any concerns.
