Genetic Predisposition of Stomach Cancer: The Importance of Family History in Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a serious and worrying disease, and family history has an unmindful importance in developing stomach cancer. Understanding the genetic trends of stomach cancer can help us to be more vigilant and to take effective preventive measures.
I. There is a certain genetic tendency for stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is not entirely caused by environmental factors and, in fact, there is a certain genetic tendency. In some families, we find a concentration of stomach cancer, which is more than one in the family. This is not a simple coincidence, but an indication that genetic factors play a part in it.
Research shows that about 5 – 10 per cent of stomach cancer is genetic. These genetic stomach cancers are often associated with specific genetic mutations. For example, families with a mutation of the CDH1 gene (the upper calcium glucose protein gene) significantly increase the risk of stomach cancer among their members. When the gene mutagenics, its already adhesive regulation of intercellular adhesiveness makes it more likely that the upper skin cells of the gastric mucous membrane will undergo abnormal growth and malformation, which will cause stomach cancer.
Family history increases the risk of stomach cancer
If there is stomach cancer in the family, the risk of stomach cancer in other relatives is significantly higher than in the general population. This is because part of the gene is shared among family members, and once a member of the family suffers from stomach cancer as a result of a genetic mutation, the same gene mutation is likely to exist in other relatives, leaving them also in a “high-risk zone” for stomach cancer.
In general, those with stomach cancer in first-degree relatives (parents, children, siblings) are two to three times more at risk than those without family history. Furthermore, if stomach cancer occurs at a younger age in the family, for example under 40 years of age, the risk of stomach cancer may be higher among relatives. This may be due to the fact that some genetic mutations that cause stomach cancer are more prominent among young patients and more easily transmitted to other relatives.
III. GENOCRATIC DIVISIONAL CONTEXT
Among the many genetic-related types of stomach cancer, the genetic episodic gastric syndrome is more typical. It was mainly caused by the above-mentioned mutation of the CDH1 gene.
In families with such syndrome, members may be at higher risk of stomach cancer when they are young. Early symptoms of stomach cancer, such as upper abdominal discomfort, indigestion, etc., usually occur in the 30s or even younger years. Furthermore, this type of stomach cancer is often not easily detected at an early stage, as it tends to spread widely in the lower part of the gastric mucous membranes, which may be more difficult to detect during the examination of the stomach mirror, requiring more sophisticated means of examination and a high level of vigilance to detect.
IV. Focus on family history and active prevention
Since family history is so important in stomach cancer, it is important to give high priority when we know that there are stomach cancers in the family.
First, more attention is paid to their stomach health than to the general population. Any suspicious stomach symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, appetite and weight loss should normally be monitored and, in the event of such cases, promptly referred for medical examination without delay.
Secondly, regular stomach-related examinations are essential. For those with a family history of stomach cancer, it is recommended that a regular stomach lens examination be initiated at around the age of 30 (if the family has an early onset of the disease, then earlier) in order to be able to detect possible changes in stomach cancer at an early stage.
In addition, a healthy lifestyle is observed in daily life. Maintain good eating habits, less high salt, smoke, pickled food, more fresh vegetables and fruit; quit smoking and limit alcohol; exercise and maintain a good mind. While these measures do not completely eliminate the risk of stomach cancer, they can significantly reduce its likelihood.
The genetic tendency of stomach cancer tells us that family history is an important warning sign. When we learn of this, we should combat the potential threat of stomach cancer and safeguard our health through active attention to our health, regular examinations and the maintenance of healthy lifestyles.
