Gastric cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in Japan. In 2004, there were 50 562 deaths from gastric cancer; they accounted for 15.8% of the total number of cancer deaths.
As a public health problem, Japaneses started with a national screening program during the reconstruction after WW2. With much less resources than today in many developing countries (as Peru, for example), Japan could handle it and gradually decreases its mortality.
Since 1983, under the Health Service Law for the Aged, gastric cancer screening has been conducted nationwide for all residents aged 40 years and over.
Japan started with double-contrast studies (DCS) for screening, and up-to-date photofluorography is recommended for population-based and opportunistic screening in Japan.
Until endoscopes arrived, DCS were the only efficient method to objectively find early gastric cancer. However, endoscopes are gradually displacing DCS. Other methods as serum pepsinogen testing and Helicobacter pylori antibody testing are also available.
In summary, in Japan radiologic screening for gastric cancer is the recommended method. As for countries with lower rates of gastric cancer, endoscopy is the chosen one.
April 9th, 2009 at 12:01
Gustavo,
Thank u for staring this group. I have Barretts Esophagus, Diverticulitis,copd,panic disorder and two bad knees. I have had 3 endoscopies and one colonoscopy(they couldnt get the instrument thru because I have a twisted colon). They immediately sent me down for a barium enema and discovered a few pockets in my colon.Diverticulitis.
I have only spoken to my gastro dr for a few minutes each time they knock me out and I feel like I’m in a factory the way they just wheel the beds in and out so fast. I also have a large hiatal hernia and he suggested surgery but it is very dangerous.(dr said that). I think I’ll skip that one. I have some bad spells at night sometimes but not sure its worth the risk.
I’ve been taking Nexium for a long time and it keeps away the heartbutn, but the reflux comes on pretty bad; sometimes I’m up all night because if I lay down, I get sick. Any new treatments or homeopathic things I can do? I’m at my wits end. Johanna
June 2nd, 2009 at 01:26
Hello Johanna.
I’m deeply sorry for the delay.
My webmaster told me recently that there were comments to answer…
And as I’m new at this…
I couldn’t find them until a week ago.
I hope I could still help you somehow.
Heartburn is a really exasperating complain.
And unfortunately is difficult to treat…
Not because of the drugs…
But because the need of lifestyle changes.
Of course the hiatal hernia may cause the reflux, which may lead the Barrett.
Sadly, Barrett esophagus also may lead to esophageal cancer, which is a major problem for us to prevent.
Since I am not your personal physician, it is not ethical to modify any treatment, especially, because I am not close to you to supervise it.
But, what we can work on is the lifestyle changes.
For sure are the most difficult to change…
But, believe me, they are worthy and may be much more effective than many other powerful drugs.
So, first of all…
Although it might sound cliché…
You should take care of your body mass index (BMI, relation between your height and you weight) to below 25.
If you are above that, this tip may help you a lot.
Not only because of the reflux…
Switching from sedentary to more active lifestyle will also improve other suffering conditions.
Now, one simple trick…
If you don’t have any heart or renal problem…
Is to lift the head of your bed like 5-10cm.
That will make a slight slope to prevent reflux at night.
But if you have any heart or renal problem, you could suffer of limbs’ swelling.
So take care.
Probably better to lift it little by little until 10cm (not more).
Another thing is to stop eating 4 hours before bedtime.
That reduces the amount of acid during your sleep.
Especially fatty food, which slows the digestion and increases acidity.
That means a lot of acid all the night.
Well, I hope this tips could help you.
Hugs.