A recent real-life case has caused widespread concern: in a family in China with five brothers, four were consecutively diagnosed with stomach cancer. This is not a coincidence; underlying this tragedy are common causes that deserve vigilance.

1. High-salt diet, the top “accomplice”

• Excessive consumption of pickled foods: This family frequently ate pickled vegetables and homemade smoked meats, with daily salt intake far exceeding the recommended 6 grams. A salty diet directly damages the stomach lining and creates a favorable environment for Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria to thrive.

• Preference for very salty flavors: The patients shared a habit of “only liking food if it’s very salty,” always using soy sauce, fermented bean curd, and monosodium glutamate in cooking. Continuous irritation of the stomach lining weakens its protective ability.

• Eating food while still hot and eating quickly: Regularly swallowing very hot food and eating hurriedly. The combination of high temperature and mechanical friction damages the stomach lining and accelerates disease progression.

2. HP bacteria spreading within the family

• Shared eating habits increase risk: The family used shared bowls and chopsticks for a long time without separate utensils. HP can be transmitted through saliva, so if one person is infected, others can easily catch it.

• Ignoring early screening: When symptoms such as stomach pain or acid reflux appeared, most self-medicated without visiting a doctor, missing the best intervention window. By the time weight loss and black stools appeared, the disease was usually at an intermediate or advanced stage.

• Incomplete treatment: Some had previously undergone HP eradication therapy but did not follow the full treatment protocol or failed to return for follow-up, leading to antibiotic resistance and easy reinfection.

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Early warning signs not to be ignored

• Persistent indigestion: Symptoms like bloating after meals and continuous belching lasting more than two weeks, unrelieved by regular stomach medication.

• Sudden loss of appetite: Suddenly disliking meat, significant reduction in food intake, and rapid weight loss.

• Abnormal changes in bowel movements: Black, tarry stools or positive fecal occult blood tests indicate possible stomach bleeding.

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Prevention of stomach cancer requires multiple coordinated measures

• Regular gastroscopy after age 40: Especially for those with a family history, gastroscopy every 1-2 years is recommended for early detection and timely treatment.

• Use separate utensils: Employ separate chopsticks and spoons, regularly sterilize dining tools to prevent HP transmission.

• Adjust diet: Reduce pickled and salty foods, increase fresh vegetables and fruits. Use lemon juice and herbs in cooking as partial salt substitutes.

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Although stomach cancer is dangerous, it can be completely prevented and controlled. Learn from these painful lessons and start changing lifestyle habits today to prevent the tragedy from recurring in future generations. If stomach discomfort lasts more than two weeks, see a doctor early—health is the most precious asset you can give your family.