Stomach cancer rates are increasing globally, particularly among younger adults. According to Dr. Travis Grotz, a Mayo Clinic surgical oncologist, the disease used to be associated with older age groups but is now being diagnosed in people as young as 20.
Grotz notes that many younger patients with stomach cancer are being diagnosed late, when treatment effectiveness decreases. He warns that the symptoms of gastric cancer – including weight loss, reflux, and difficulty swallowing – may be dismissed as minor issues due to a perceived relationship between these conditions and stress, or even bad eating habits.
The expert emphasizes that while some symptoms like reflux can be normal, it’s crucial for young people to be aware of their health and investigate potential underlying causes. The increasing trend in stomach cancer among younger adults is puzzling, with Dr. Grotz suggesting a new risk factor, possibly linked to food preparation or environmental factors, could be the cause.
Source: https://www.wbrz.com/news/monday-s-health-report-rates-of-stomach-cancer-are-on-the-rise-among-younger-people