In Colombia, gastric cancer is the leading cause of death and ranks third in incidence, with more than 6,000 deaths and more than 8,000 new cases every year. That’s why the Colombian Union Against Cancer launched the campaign “Seriously, It’s Gastritis”.
Chronic gastritis is mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori, and 90% of gastric cancer cases are caused by chronic gastritis. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan), gastric cancer accounted for 5.64% of all estimated cases in 2020, with more than 89,000 new cases worldwide.
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The early stages of this cancer are often overlooked, with symptoms often associated with other stomach conditions. Therefore, gastric cancer patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease.
The Colombian Union Against Cancer and its different departments and chapters support the campaign “Seriously, it’s Gastritis”, which recommends that the general public receive professional care in gastroenterology and receive prompt diagnosis to avoid gastric cancer.
Jessica Bermudez, Project Professional of the Alliance Social Management and Health Education, explained that this campaign aims to create a space where people can differentiate between gastritis and gastric cancer, avoid normalizing symptoms, and encourage early consultation and timely diagnosis.
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Bermudez noted that users of the country’s public transportation system will be urged to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent stomach cancer. They will also be invited to have regular check-ups and be alert to signals produced by their bodies to detect illnesses early.
The campaign is joined by actress and singer Carolina Gaitán and cancer immunotherapy expert Dr. Juan Felipe Córdoba, who will host an event on Instagram Live on December 21 at 7:00 pm, with scientific guidance from @ligacancercolombia.
Social management professionals recommend to all Colombians that it is important to maintain a healthy diet, increase food and non-food products, and reduce the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and corrosive substances, as they are risk factors. Controlling these habits can prevent gastritis and, in the long run, stomach cancer.
Additionally, it emphasizes that certain symptoms, such as persistent nausea, abdominal inflammation, weight loss and low platelet levels, are important warning signs and should be consulted by a gastroenterology specialist.