Stomach cancer is more likely to be caused by excessive alcohol intake, processed meat consumption and obesity, a new study says. Researchers at the American Institute for Cancer Research and World Cancer Research Fund found strong evidences that support the link of alcohol, processed meat and obesity to stomach cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, gastric or stomach cancer is relatively rare compared to other cancers. However, it is a major killer.
Every year, 3.3 per 100,000 men and women die of stomach cancer. In 2016, it is estimated that 10,730 people will die of stomach cancer and an estimated of 26,370 people will be newly diagnosed with the disease.
Increase In Stomach Cancer Risk
NBC News reports that the new study traced the link of diet to cancer by analyzing 80 studies that involved more than 17 million adults and 77,000 stomach cancer patients. The researchers found that alcohol, processed meat and obesity, which have been previously associated with several other cancers, are also linked to the development of stomach cancer.
The researchers discovered that the daily intake of approximately three or more alcoholic drinks could boost the risk of developing stomach cancer. They also found that the daily consumption of about 1.8 ounces of processed meat could also increase the risk of stomach cancer by almost 18 percent.
The study results also showed that obesity raises the risk of developing stomach cancer. More weight in relation to the height would mean more chances of acquiring stomach cancer, the study said.
Previous studies have connected obesity and alcohol consumption with liver cancer. Other studies also linked processed meat and obesity to a variety of cancers, including breast and colon cancer. Obesity is now associated with 11 types of cancer.
Cause For Concern
"We were aware that alcohol causes 7 types of cancer, and worryingly, this report now demonstrates a link with an eighth - stomach cancer," said Professor Sir Ian Gilmore in a statement. The Alcohol Health Alliance chair further noted that these studies also led to the U.K.'s revised alcohol consumption guidelines earlier this year, according to MedScape.
The guidelines stated by the U.K.'s chief medical officers (CMOs) state that men and women should avoid drinking anything more than "14 units a week, spread across the week." The agencies further emphasized that drinking -- no matter how much was consumed -- will never be regarded as something "safe."
