How Can I Prevent Stomach Cancer?

“Not smoking reduces your risk of stomach cancer, as well as several other types of cancer.”

The best way you can protect yourself from stomach cancer is to be aware of what makes you more likely to get it. These are called your risk factors. Knowing what puts you at risk for stomach cancer can help you make healthy choices that may help you prevent the cancer. Here are some steps you can take to lower your risk for stomach and other cancers.

Don’t use tobacco products.

If you don’t smoke or use tobacco, don’t start. If you do, stop now. Stopping tobacco use reduces your risk for several types of cancer, possibly stomach cancer. You also reduce your risk for getting other types of health problems such as heart disease. Ask your doctor for more information about ways to stop using tobacco. Check with your local branch of the American Lung Association for programs to stop smoking. You’ll find their phone number in your local phone book. Check with friends who have stopped using tobacco to see what worked for them. It may take several attempts before you are successful, but you can change this risk factor.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

If you drink alcohol, make sure you keep it to fewer than 2 drinks per day. If you find this difficult, ask your doctor for advice in controlling this risk factor. You may want to check for local support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. You’ll find their phone number in your local phone book.

Limit how many salty foods and how much red meat you eat.

Don’t eat many cured, salted, dried, and pickled meats, fish, and vegetables. When you shop, read labels for the words “sodium,” “sodium nitrate,” and “sodium nitrite.” These are forms of salt commonly used to preserve or pickle foods. Use these foods as an occasional treat rather than a major part of your diet. In addition, people who eat large amounts of red meat are at higher risk for stomach cancer compared with those who don’t. Your risk doubles if you eat red meat more than 13 times per week.

Get enough vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber in your diet.

These nutrients may lower your risk for stomach cancer. Increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods you eat. If you need help making changes to your diet, ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian. This diet specialist can help you find ways to make your meals more nutritious.

Monitor your other health risks.

There are some risks for stomach cancer that you may not be able to control.   These include certain health problems, such as stomach ulcers, pernicious anemia, or Menetrier’s disease. However, you can successfully manage other health risks, such as obesity. Since you know that you have these health risks, you can work with your doctor to monitor your health, catching any problems early, when they are easiest to treat.