Oncologist tells about GI diseases that increase the risk of developing cancer

Many people underestimate chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), thinking that they are not dangerous. However, even such common problems as gastritis and polyps in the intestine or stomach can eventually lead to serious consequences, including cancer, said "Izvestia" on February 17 doctor-oncologist "SM-Clinica" Nikita Makarov.

According to the specialist, the most common precancerous conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in Russians, which have increased risks of degeneration into cancer, remain gastric ulcers, polyps and chronic gastritis.

"Previously, gastric ulcer was most often diagnosed in people 40 years old and older, but today young people 25-30 years old lie in clinics with this diagnosis. And no one is surprised by it. The bad thing is that people are not alarmed by the first symptoms of the disease - it is usually heartburn and stomach pain after eating. As a rule, everything is written off to a slight overeating and indigestion. But in fact, the root of the problem may be much more dangerous to health," - said the oncologist.

Thus, he pointed out that chronic ulcer and stomach cancer are closely related phenomena. Especially dangerous ulcers located in the middle part of the stomach, because in the absence of treatment, the probability of their malignant degeneration is close to 100%. The risk of oncologic complications also increases in the presence of large ulcerative lesions, as constant inflammation and changes in the structure of the gastric mucosa over time can trigger the processes of mutation of healthy cells and the development of cancer.

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"Adenomatous polyps of the stomach, unlike ulcers, often do not cause a person discomfort and are detected accidentally during examination. However, large formations larger than 2 cm pose a serious threat, as they can disrupt the digestive process and provoke pathological changes in the tissues of the organ. The probability of cancer development in such polyps exceeds 40%", - warned the expert.

Another dangerous disease of the gastrointestinal tract is atrophic gastritis with reduced acidity, or type A gastritis. As Makarov noted, about 30% of Russians suffer from this form of gastritis.

According to him, the main danger of the disease lies in the gradual destruction of the glands of the stomach responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid. This can lead to thinning of the mucous membrane, deterioration of digestion and create favorable conditions for the development of cancer cells. A significant role in this process is played by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, as well as bad habits and poor diet.

The specialist also mentioned such a specific disease of the GI tract as Barrett's esophagus. The culprit of this pathology is gastroesophageal reflux (throwing of gastric contents into the esophagus), in which healthy tissues of the esophageal mucosa are degenerated and replaced by abnormal intestinal tissues. Lack of treatment can lead to the development of esophageal cancer.

Despite the serious risks, timely diagnosis allows effective control and treatment of the above diseases, the expert emphasized. Thus, according to him, modern methods of endoscopic examination, such as colonoscopy and gastroscopy, allow to detect pathological changes at early stages. He called regular medical examinations and observation by specialists the best way to avoid dangerous consequences and preserve health.

On February 4, it was reported that only half of the surveyed Russians are sure that they would be able to find funds for paid treatment and rehabilitation if a loved one faced oncology. Almost one in six (17.2%) would give all their savings to save a loved one, according to the results of a survey by the Rosgosstrakh insurance company.