Gastric Cancer Prevention: Dietary Recommendations
To prevent gastric cancer, avoid salt and salt-preserved foods (Option D). This recommendation is consistently supported by the American Cancer Society and multiple international guidelines, which identify high salt intake as a significant modifiable risk factor for gastric cancer. 1, 2
Why Salt Avoidance is Critical
Salt is the primary dietary factor to avoid for gastric cancer prevention. The evidence is compelling across multiple study types:
High salt intake disrupts the gastric mucosal defense barrier, promoting Helicobacter pylori colonization and allowing penetration of other carcinogenic compounds into the stomach lining. 3
Salt-preserved foods are consistently associated with increased gastric cancer risk in ecological, case-control, and cohort studies worldwide, showing a moderate to high increase in risk for the highest consumption levels. 4
The American Cancer Society explicitly recommends avoiding high salt intake and salt-preserved foods as a primary prevention strategy, along with consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. 1, 2
Specific high-risk foods include salted meat, pickled vegetables, and preserved vegetables, all of which show significant positive associations with gastric cancer in case-control studies. 5
Mechanism of Salt-Induced Carcinogenesis
Salt directly damages gastric mucus, increases temporary epithelial proliferation, raises the incidence of endogenous mutations, and induces hypergastrinemia leading to parietal cell loss and progression to gastric cancer. 4
Salt intake correlates with H. pylori infection rates, and these two factors synergize to promote gastric cancer development. 6, 4
The association between salt and gastric cancer is independent of H. pylori status, smoking, tumor site, or histological type, indicating salt is an independent risk factor. 6
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
Acetaminophen (Option A) has no established relationship with gastric cancer risk and is not mentioned in any gastric cancer prevention guidelines. 1
Protein avoidance (Option B) is not recommended; in fact, high-quality protein is important for overall health, though processed and red meats should be limited. 3
Increasing carbohydrates (Option C) is not a gastric cancer prevention strategy; the focus should be on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables rather than refined carbohydrates. 1, 3
Additional Protective Measures
Consume at least five servings of vegetables and fruits daily, which provide antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect against gastric cancer. 1, 2
Maintain a healthy weight, particularly to reduce abdominal obesity that may contribute to gastric cardia cancers through reflux mechanisms. 1, 2
Limit processed meats, red meat, and alcohol consumption, all of which increase gastric cancer risk. 3, 7