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Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, ranks as the fifth most common cancer worldwide and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Stomach cancer cases in India are on the rise, due to many reasons including a mix of lifestyle, dietary, and healthcare factors. Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals shares that unhealthy eating habits, including excessive consumption of processed and salty foods, combined with low fruit and vegetable intake, play a significant role. Tobacco and alcohol use further increases the risk. Chronic stress and a sedentary lifestyle exacerbate these issues, weakening immunity and increasing susceptibility to cancer.

But did you know that this type of cancer affects men and women differently? Men and women differ significantly in terms of risk factors, symptoms, and outcomes of this disease. We got in touch with Dr Amit Javed, Director, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram who shares tips for improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Dr Javed explains stomach cancer is nearly twice as prevalent in men as in women. This disparity arises from several factors, including hormones, genetics, and lifestyle choices.

- Hormonal Protection

Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, offers some protection against stomach cancer. It reduces inflammation in the stomach lining and discourages the growth of cancer cells. Women in premenopausal stages tend to have lower risks of developing stomach cancer. However, this risk increases after menopause as estrogen levels decline.

- Genetic Factors

Both genders can inherit genetic mutations, such as CDH1, that predispose them to stomach cancer. However, men with a family history of the disease appear to be at a higher risk, suggesting potential gender-specific genetic patterns.

- Lifestyle Factors

Men are more likely to engage in lifestyle habits that increase the risk of stomach cancer, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and diets high in smoked, salted, or fermented foods.

Diagnosis

Stomach cancer symptoms are often vague and non-specific, including indigestion, bloating, and stomach pain. However, differences exist in how these symptoms manifest between men and women, explains Dr Javed.

- Perception of Symptoms

Women often attribute stomach cancer symptoms to other conditions, such as acid reflux or menstrual issues, which may delay seeking medical attention. In contrast, men typically report more severe symptoms and visit doctors earlier.

- Tumour Location

Research indicates that tumour location differs by gender. Women are more likely to have tumours in the upper stomach, while men frequently develop tumours in the lower stomach. These variations influence symptoms and treatment approaches.

According to Dr Javed, women generally have a better prognosis for stomach cancer compared to men.

- Earlier Detection

Despite delays in seeking medical help, women are often diagnosed earlier, possibly due to routine health screenings.

- Biological Differences

Women are more likely to develop diffuse-type stomach cancer, which tends to progress more slowly and results in better survival rates.

- Treatment Response

Studies suggest that women may respond better to certain chemotherapy regimens, potentially due to the influence of hormones like estrogen.

Dr Javed shares that understanding gender differences in stomach cancer can inform preventive strategies and treatment plans.

- Regular Screening

Men, particularly those with a family history or unhealthy lifestyle habits, should undergo earlier and more frequent screenings to detect cancer in its initial stages.

- Lifestyle Modifications

Both men and women can reduce their risk by adopting healthier diets, limiting salt intake, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.

- Personalised Treatment

Tailoring treatments to account for gender-specific differences, such as the potential use of hormone-based therapies for women, could improve outcomes and survival rates.

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