Measure Your Stomach Cancer Risk with This Test

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that affects the stomach lining. It is also known as gastric cancer. This type of cancer is more common in older adults, and it is more common in men than in women. Stomach cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer. In this article, we will discuss these risk factors and provide a test to help you measure your stomach cancer risk.

Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer

1. Age: Stomach cancer is more common in older adults, especially those over the age of 50.

2. Gender: Men are more likely to develop stomach cancer than women.

3. Family history: If you have a family history of stomach cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

4. Helicobacter pylori infection: This is a type of bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and increase the risk of stomach cancer.

5. Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer.

6. Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

7. Diet: A diet high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

8. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer.

9. Previous stomach surgery: If you have had surgery to remove part of your stomach, you may be at a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.

10. Pernicious anemia: This is a type of anemia that can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

11. Occupational exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as asbestos, can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

12. Radiation therapy: If you have had radiation therapy to the abdomen or chest, you may be at a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.

Stomach Cancer Risk Test

If you are concerned about your risk of developing stomach cancer, you can take the following test to help measure your risk.

1. Age: What is your age?

a. Under 50
b. 50-59
c. 60-69
d. 70 or older

2. Gender: What is your gender?

a. Male
b. Female

3. Family history: Do you have a family history of stomach cancer?

a. Yes
b. No

4. Helicobacter pylori infection: Have you ever been diagnosed with a Helicobacter pylori infection?

a. Yes
b. No

5. Smoking: Do you smoke?

a. Yes
b. No

6. Alcohol consumption: How many alcoholic drinks do you consume per week?

a. None
b. 1-7
c. 8-14
d. 15 or more

7. Diet: How often do you eat salted, smoked, or pickled foods?

a. Never
b. Rarely
c. Sometimes
d. Often

8. Obesity: What is your body mass index (BMI)?

a. Under 25
b. 25-29
c. 30 or higher

9. Previous stomach surgery: Have you ever had surgery to remove part of your stomach?

a. Yes
b. No

10. Pernicious anemia: Have you ever been diagnosed with pernicious anemia?

a. Yes
b. No

11. Occupational exposure: Have you ever been exposed to chemicals such as asbestos in your job?

a. Yes
b. No

12. Radiation therapy: Have you ever had radiation therapy to the abdomen or chest?

a. Yes
b. No

Scoring:

For questions 1-8, assign the following points:

a. 0 points
b. 1 point
c. 2 points
d. 3 points

For questions 9-12, assign the following points:

a. 3 points
b. 0 points

Add up your total score to determine your stomach cancer risk:

0-5 points: Low risk
6-10 points: Moderate risk
11-15 points: High risk

If you are at a moderate or high risk of developing stomach cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about screening options. Screening tests for stomach cancer include endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests such as CT scans.

Conclusion

Stomach cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer, including age, gender, family history, Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, obesity, previous stomach surgery, pernicious anemia, occupational exposure, and radiation therapy. By taking the stomach cancer risk test and talking to your doctor about screening options, you can take steps to detect and treat stomach cancer early.