Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System, 2nd Edition
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electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte are encouraged for all ages, especially chil- dren (Alexandraki & Smetana, 2021). Patients and their families should be taught the following preventive measures to reduce the risk of gastroenteritis (Alex- andraki & Smetana, 2021): ● Engage in frequent hand washing. ● Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth because germs are easily spread via these routes. ● Disinfect children’s toys and objects frequently handled by adults, such as phones, keyboards, and kitchen utensils. ● Avoid drinking water or eating raw fruits and vegetables when traveling to foreign countries. ● Understand the importance of cooking food thoroughly and refrigerating perishable foods such as dairy products and mayonnaise. ● Vaccinate infants for rotavirus as recommended by the CDC. Gastric cancer Although gastric cancer remains the second most common form of cancer globally, the incidence has significantly decreased in most developed countries. Gastric cancer is the seventh most com- mon cancer in the U.S. The incidence of gastric cancer in the U.S. has decreased by about 1.5% each year for the past ten years, with some research attributing the decline to refrigeration, food safety, and treatment of H. pylori infections (ACS, 2022b). It affects all ages and races, but underdeveloped nations have a higher in- cidence. Gastric cancer is a leading cause of mortality in Japan, China, Chile, and Iceland (Nguyen, 2022). The exact causes of gastric cancer have not been determined, but several factors are correlated with the development of
this disease, including the following (ACS, 2022b): ● Diet : Diets low in fresh fruit, high in sodium, and/or high in alcohol can place one at a higher risk for developing gastric cancer. ● Smoking : Smoking and oral tobacco use significantly increases gastric cancer risk. If smoking is discontinued, the risk decreases. ● Bacterial infection : Chronic infection with pyloriis associated with a significant risk of gastric cancer. This infection is believed to increase gastric inflammation and predisposes an individual to gastric cancer. ● Genetic predisposition : Several gene mutations and inherited disorders increase risk. For example, those with a CDH1 mutation, Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and other conditions have a higher risk of developing gastric cancer. ● Certain viral infections : Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a herpes virus correlated with gastric cancer. EBV is found to be a causative factor in 5%–18% of those diagnosed with gastric cancer worldwide. Signs and symptoms of gastric cancer are not specific and may indicate several other conditions. Early symptoms include: ● Chronic dyspepsia (indigestion). ● Heartburn. ● Epigastric discomfort. Later signs and symptoms include
(ACS, 2022b): ● Weight loss. ● Anorexia.
● Anemia. ● Fatigue. ● The feeling of fullness after eating. ● Possibly blood in stools.
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