Smoking and poor diet heighten the risk of lung and stomach cancers

• Date: 14 November 2020
• Published date: 14 November 2020
• Publication title: Jamaica Star, The (Kingston, Jamaica)

Lung cancer results from tissue formation in the organ, usually in the cells lining the air passages.

The symptoms include persistent coughing, and the emission of blood or rust-coloured phlegm when this occurs; and chest pain that often worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughter.

Dr Aung, who was addressing the Mistyblue Cancer Care Foundation Teleconference on Wednesday, November 11, said other factors that can contribute to lung cancer include: poorly ventilated environments; exposure to asbestos; and exposure to silica dust, which is generated during mining, among other engagements

He further pointed out that persons with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are also at risk.

Stomach or gastric cancer results from a buildup of abnormal cells that form a mass in any part of the organ.

The symptoms usually include: poor appetite; weight loss; vague discomfort in the abdomen; vomiting, with or without blood; swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen; blood in the stool; and nausea.

Persons at risk of contracting stomach cancer include: smokers; individuals whose diets are high in salty and smoked foods, and low in fruit and vegetable consumption; and those who have a family history of gastric cancer.

Other persons also at...