“THE IMPACT OF DIETARY PATTERNS AND AWARENESS OF ADDITIVE-RELATED CANCER RISKS ON STOMACH CANCER PREVALENCE: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY IN QUETTA'S URBAN POPULATION”

Abstract

Gastric cancer continues to be a significant global health problem and in countries like Pakistan, a developing country, dietary shifts and low public awareness bear the major brunt of this disease. This cross-sectional case-control study was designed to determine the association of dietary patterns, processed food consumption and awareness regarding food additives in gastric cancer among adult in urban Quetta. In all, 1,092 subjects (546 clinically diagnosed cases of gastric cancer and an equal number of matched controls) were enrolled from several referral hospitals in the area. We collected basic data using a structured questionnaire together with clinical verification and laboratory to assess dietary behavior, knowledge of food additives, as well we biological indicators of disease. The marked association of high intake of processed foods, lack of awareness about risks from food additives, smoking and physical inactivity were strongly observed for H. pylori infection and also gastric cancer prevalence. Laboratory test findings showed obvious abnormalities among case subjects, many of whom had anemia, raised transaminases and deteriorated renal function, as well as elevated tumor markers. Adenocarcinoma and especially the intestinal type was predominantly diagnosed on endoscopy and histopathological examination. The diet and lifestyle habits along with poor knowledge about carcinogenic food additives are found as major risk factors leading to gastric cancer in Quetta. It underscores the urgency for targeted public health interventions, more stringent legislation on food additives and improved early screening to limit disease burden in the region.