Medical experts have issued a warning that consuming high amounts of salt can have devastating effects on the stomach, potentially leading to gastric cancer. The gastroenterologists, specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases, caution that excessive salt intake can damage the gastric mucosa, the inner lining of the stomach wall, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of gastric cancer.

Furthermore, high salt consumption can exacerbate the activity of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium responsible for stomach infections and peptic ulcers.

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a malignant tumor that originates in the stomach lining, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer reported a staggering 1.1 million cases and 770,000 deaths due to stomach cancer worldwide in 2020. Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, according to Medscape.

Although data on the burden of gastric cancer in Nigeria is limited, experts and independent studies indicate a rising trend in cases. Gastroenterologists identify several risk factors for gastric cancer, including high salt diets, tobacco smoking, Helicobacter pylori, obesity, radiation, familial history of stomach cancer, previous gastric surgery, and excessive alcohol consumption.

A recent study published in the journal Gastric Cancer found that individuals who add salt to their food at the table increase their risk of developing stomach cancer by 41%.

The study also raised concerns about the growing prevalence of stomach cancer among young people worldwide, highlighting the need for awareness and preventive measures to address this public health concern.

“Salt can damage the stomach mucosa, increasing its vulnerability to Helicobacter pylori colonisation and raising the risk of gastric cancer through mechanisms other than infection, such as harming gastric epithelial cells with chemical carcinogens and N-nitroso molecules,” the study stated.

WAKADAILY recently shed light on the alarming rise in cancer cases, particularly colorectal cancer, among children and young adults.

The report revealed a disturbing trend, as colorectal cancer, typically affecting individuals aged 50 and above, is now affecting children and young adults between 10 and 19 years old.

This concerning development prompted Dr. Matthew Bojuwoye, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, to share his expertise on the matter.

Dr. Bojuwoye emphasized that while reliable national data on the burden of gastric cancer in Nigeria is scarce, it accounts for a significant 1.1-6.0% of all cancers.

He further noted that the incidence rate is higher in the Southern regions compared to the Northern parts of the country.

The specialist highlighted the dangers of excessive salt consumption, explaining that it can damage the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastric cancer.

Moreover, Dr. Bojuwoye warned that high salt intake can lead to an increased presence of Helicobacter pylori, resulting in exacerbated ulcer symptoms.

The expert’s warnings underscore the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices, particularly among young individuals, to mitigate the risk of gastric cancer and other related health issues.

As the report and Dr. Bojuwoye’s insights demonstrate, it is crucial to address the rising cases of colorectal cancer among children and young adults, and to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with high salt consumption.

He stated, “High dietary salt intake also results in increased H. pylori colonisation in gastric mucosa. The increased virulent strains of H. pylori lead to gastritis and ulceration; changes in the structure and function of epithelial cells; high levels of oxidative stress and the production of free radicals and DNA damage. All of these molecular mechanisms increase the risk of developing cancer.

“High salt intake can exacerbate ulcer symptoms given that it can cause inflammation of the gastric mucosa and encourage the growth of H. pylori, further worsening the inflammation. This will result in delayed healing of the ulcer.”

Dr. Bojuwoye emphasized that the presence of precancerous lesions in the surrounding stomach tissue significantly increases the risk of gastric cancer development if left untreated or unmonitored.

These lesions can potentially progress into cancerous cells, making early detection and effective management crucial.

The doctor stressed the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of gastric ulcers to prevent the progression to cancer.

By addressing these precursor lesions and ulcers, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing gastric cancer. Early intervention and proper care can make a vital difference in preventing this potentially life-threatening disease.

The gastroenterologist further stated that benign gastric ulcers not properly managed could progress to gastric cancer.

He elaborated, “Gastric cancer may present in the form of an exophytic mass, an ulcer or an ulcerating mass. While benign gastric ulcers themselves are not cancerous, they can sometimes progress to gastric cancer, particularly if certain risk factors are present or if they are not appropriately managed.

“Gastric ulcers often result from chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by factors such as infection with H. pylori, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, or smoking. Chronic inflammation can lead to changes in the cells of the stomach lining, increasing the risk of cancer development over time.

“If a gastric ulcer becomes complicated, such as by bleeding or perforation, the healing process may involve the regeneration of abnormal tissue. This abnormal tissue, if left untreated or if predisposing factors persist, can potentially progress to cancerous cells,” Bojuwoye highlighted.

Dr. Bojuwoye, a consultant gastroenterologist, strongly advised against using salt for food preservation and encouraged individuals with ulcers, particularly those with a family history of gastric cancer, to undergo regular screening for early detection and treatment.

He also emphasized the need for investment in research and development to enhance diagnostic techniques and improve early detection and treatment of stomach cancer.

Dr. Bojuwoye highlighted the challenges in diagnosing and treating gastric cancer, including underreporting due to inadequate diagnostic facilities, lack of trained personnel, and poor health-seeking behavior.

Professor Agona Obembe, a renowned expert in Gastrointestinal Physiology at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, echoed Dr. Bojuwoye’s concerns.

She warned that poorly managed ulcers can lead to stomach cancer and confirmed that excessive salt consumption exacerbates the activities of H. pylori bacteria, making ulcers more challenging to treat and increasing the risk of gastric cancer.

Professor Obembe’s expertise underscored the critical importance of proper ulcer management and early detection to prevent the progression to stomach cancer.

He noted, “While the majority of gastric ulcers do not progress to cancer, it is essential to monitor and manage them effectively, especially in individuals with risk factors for gastric cancer.

“This may involve treating underlying causes such as H. pylori infection, reducing risk factors like smoking and alcohol consumption, and regular surveillance through endoscopy and biopsy to detect any precancerous changes or early signs of cancer. Early detection and appropriate treatment of gastric ulcers and associated risk factors can help prevent progression to malignancy.”

The don further stated, “Ulcers that are not well managed can become cancerous. Also, salt enables Helicobacter pylori bacteria to thrive and it is a major cause of ulcers. It is also very difficult to treat and eliminate because of the place it stays in the stomach. Ulcers cause wounds all over the stomach and when it is not healing, the wound can become cancerous.

“Salt has always been a culprit in stomach ulcers. Cultures have been studied and it shows that it increases the activities of H.pylori, which is a major culprit in ulceration and when not well treated, it can become cancerous. It can cause bleeding into the stomach.”

Professor Obembe pointed out that the emphasis on treating ulcers often leads to a delayed diagnosis of gastric cancer, which can have devastating consequences.

The gastroenterologists emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach, urging individuals to reduce their salt intake and adopt alternative food preservation methods.

They specifically advised against using table salt shakers, which can contribute to excessive salt consumption and increase the risk of gastric cancer. By making these simple changes, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing this potentially life-threatening disease.

The experts’ recommendations aim to raise awareness and promote preventive measures to tackle the growing burden of gastric cancer.