Stomach cancer, a type of cancer with a high incidence and mortality rate, claimed the life of the famous historical figure Napoleon Bonaparte. This article will explore the risk factors and lifestyle habits that increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer, identify its early symptoms, and discuss prevention strategies.
The cause of death of French emperor Napoleon has long been debated, with both poisoning and stomach cancer being the prevailing theories. However, a case study published in Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology in 2007 indicated that Napoleon died of advanced stomach cancer (at least stage 3A), with a tumor exceeding 10 centimeters that extended from the cardia (where the esophagus connects to the stomach) to the pylorus (muscular valve at the bottom of the stomach), but without signs of distant metastasis.
This advanced stage of cancer, even with modern treatment, has a mortality rate exceeding 50 percent within one year. The autopsy report revealed a significant amount of black substance in Napoleon’s stomach, suggesting he likely died from a gastric hemorrhage.
Risk Factors
According to global cancer statistics in 2022 released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), stomach cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer worldwide, following lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
A 2020 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences identified several factors that significantly increase the risk of stomach cancer, including family history, alcohol consumption, diet, smoking, Helicobacter pylori infection, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
1. Family History
Napoleon may have had a family history of stomach cancer; his father died at the age of 39, with a post-mortem report indicating a stomach tumor. However, according to Dr. Robert Genta, a pathology professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and co-author of the 2007 study, the existing literature cannot definitively confirm whether Napoleon indeed had a family history of stomach cancer.
One study showed that approximately 10 percent of stomach cancer patients have a genetic predisposition. Relatives of stomach cancer patients are 1.5 to three times more likely to develop stomach cancer compared to those without a family history, with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer being particularly susceptible to genetic transmission.
2. Diet
Napoleon’s stomach cancer may also have been linked to his diet. During his military campaigns, his meals were often irregular, and the army’s diet consisted primarily of preserved foods and roasted meats, with very few fresh fruits and vegetables.
The relationship between dietary factors and the risk of stomach cancer has been extensively studied. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, in their 2018 revision of “Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Stomach Cancer,” noted substantial evidence indicating that consuming preserved foods increases the risk of stomach cancer. On the other hand, a higher intake of fruits and vegetables, along with a lower consumption of grilled meats, may be associated with a reduced risk. For instance, consuming an additional 100 grams of citrus fruits daily can lower the risk of cardia cancer by 24 percent. Additionally, drinking three or more alcoholic beverages daily has also been linked to a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.
3. Infections
Numerous epidemiological studies have identified Helicobacter pylori infection as a risk factor for stomach cancer. The aforementioned study by Dr. Genta indicated that Napoleon was likely infected with Helicobacter pylori, which consequently led to stomach ulcers.
In addition to Helicobacter pylori, Epstein-Barr virus is associated with stomach cancer, with approximately 10 percent of cases linked to this infection.
Early Symptoms
Even though the incidence and mortality rates of stomach cancer are high, early diagnosis and treatment are highly effective. Unfortunately, the early symptoms are not apparent, so stomach cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage.
According to data from the National Cancer Institute, between 2014 and 2020, the five-year relative survival rate for stomach cancer patients was approximately 36 percent. When the cancer is localized to the stomach, the five-year survival rate is about 75 percent. If it spreads to nearby lymph nodes, the rate drops to less than 36 percent. If it metastasizes to distant sites, the five-year survival rate falls to just 7 percent.
Early symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- Indigestion and a bloated feeling after eating
- Stomach discomfort, which may present as dull, burning, or sharp pain
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
These symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions, such as ulcers, gastritis, or indigestion. Although they may arise from various digestive issues, it is essential to be vigilant if they persist for an extended period and increase in severity.
6 Tips for Preventing Stomach Cancer
Early treatment is crucial for managing stomach cancer, but prevention is always better than cure. The following habit adjustments can help reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.
1. Adjust Dietary Habits
A healthy daily diet should be diverse and include limited consumption of highly processed, smoked, and fried foods. Moderation of salt and fat intake is also important.
It is worth noting that unsaturated fats are beneficial for our health and can lower the risk of various chronic diseases. Saturated fatty acids are not harmful but should still be consumed in moderation.
2. Quit Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol not only increase the risk of stomach cancer but also contribute to the development of various chronic diseases.
One study found that consuming over 42 grams of alcohol per day increases the risk of stomach cancer by 42 percent. Alcohol may increase the production of free radicals, and its metabolite acetaldehyde has been classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) by the IARC.
A recent systematic review published in Gastric Cancer in March showed that the risk of stomach cancer significantly increases linearly with longer smoking duration and decreases linearly with longer cessation periods. The review confirmed that smoking is an independent risk factor for stomach cancer, particularly gastric cardia.
3. Ensure Food Hygiene
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common cause of stomach ulcers and a known risk factor for stomach cancer. It typically occurs from eating contaminated food or water or sharing meals with an infected person. Maintaining food hygiene is essential; getting tested for an H. pylori infection promptly is necessary if gastrointestinal issues arise.
4. Undergo Regular Health Checkups
Ultrasound and endoscopic examinations can detect inflammation, ulcers, polyps, and early cancerous cells and tissues in the stomach.
5. Reduce Digestive Stress
Irregular eating habits and overeating can lead to various digestive diseases. In contrast, maintaining a normal, regular, and moderate eating pattern can reduce abnormal stomach acid secretion, thereby preventing factors that contribute to stomach cancer, such as gastritis and stomach ulcers.
6. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of stomach cancer and help prevent other chronic diseases.
A 2019 review by the American College of Sports Medicine found that individuals who engage in regular leisure-time physical activity have up to a 20 percent lower risk of developing stomach cancer. For patients diagnosed with stomach cancer, regular exercise is associated with a 25 percent reduction in the risk of mortality.
In summary, individuals at high risk for stomach cancer should remain vigilant. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt screening are crucial for maintaining good health.
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