Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PIWAK Natural Health, producers of 3P Garlic Mixture, has called on Ghanaians to pay greater attention to their digestive health and seek early medical attention for persistent stomach problems to reduce the risk of serious complications, including stomach cancer.
He said public education on the causes, risk factors, warning signs and prevention of stomach cancer was essential to helping people make informed decisions about their health.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a disease that develops when abnormal cells in the stomach grow uncontrollably. The condition can progress without obvious symptoms in its early stages, making awareness and timely medical assessment particularly important.
Dr Mortoti explained that although not every stomach complaint was an indication of cancer, persistent indigestion, unexplained weight loss, recurring abdominal pain and other unusual digestive symptoms should not be ignored.
He urged the public to avoid self-medication when symptoms persisted and instead consult qualified healthcare professionals for appropriate examination and treatment.
Causes And Risk Factors
Stomach cancer does not have one single cause. However, medical research has established several risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.
According to health experts, one of the major risk factors is infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that can live in the stomach and cause long-term inflammation of its lining.
In some individuals, prolonged infection can lead to changes in the stomach lining that increase the risk of cancer.
H. pylori infection may not always produce noticeable symptoms, meaning some people can carry the bacterium without knowing it.
Individuals who suspect an infection or experience persistent stomach problems are therefore encouraged to seek medical assessment. Where the infection is confirmed, appropriate treatment can help eliminate the bacterium and reduce the risk of certain types of stomach cancer.
Another risk factor is the frequent consumption of foods containing excessive amounts of salt, as well as certain smoked and salted foods.
Dr Mortoti’s health education message encourages the public to adopt healthier dietary habits, including eating balanced meals, reducing excessive salt intake and making fresh fruits and vegetables part of their regular diet.
Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that can contribute to the development of several cancers.
People who smoke are therefore encouraged to seek support to quit, while those who do not smoke should avoid starting the habit.
Other factors associated with stomach cancer include increasing age, a family history of the disease, certain inherited conditions and specific long-standing stomach disorders.
Excess body weight has also been linked to an increased risk of cancers affecting some parts of the stomach.
Health professionals advise people with significant risk factors, particularly those with a strong family history of stomach cancer, to discuss their circumstances with a qualified healthcare provider.
Warning Signs
One of the challenges associated with stomach cancer is that its early symptoms may resemble those of common digestive conditions, including indigestion and gastritis.
Some affected individuals may initially experience persistent discomfort in the upper abdomen, frequent indigestion, nausea or a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food.
Other warning signs may include loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing and unusual tiredness associated with anaemia.
In more serious cases, a person may experience vomiting of blood or pass black, tarry stools.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that an individual has stomach cancer, as several other conditions can produce similar signs.
However, persistent or worsening symptoms require medical evaluation to establish the underlying cause.
Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools warrants urgent medical attention.
Dr Mortoti’s message to the public is that people should not automatically attribute recurring stomach discomfort to ordinary indigestion or ulcers without seeking appropriate medical advice.
Early assessment can help identify the cause of the symptoms and ensure that the patient receives the right treatment.
Prevention Measures
Although stomach cancer cannot always be prevented, several measures can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
A balanced diet is among the important lifestyle measures. People are encouraged to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutritious foods while limiting excessive salt intake and reducing their consumption of heavily salted or smoked foods.
Proper food preparation and storage are also important for general health.
Another important measure is the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection.
People experiencing symptoms or having other indications of infection should consult a healthcare professional about whether testing is necessary.
When an infection is confirmed, a healthcare provider can prescribe appropriate treatment and advise the patient on follow-up testing to establish whether the bacterium has been eliminated.
The public is also encouraged to avoid tobacco, maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity.
People with a family history of stomach cancer or certain chronic stomach conditions should seek individualised medical advice about their risk and whether further assessment is necessary.
Dr Mortoti also emphasised the importance of responsible medicine use, warning against the practice of repeatedly treating persistent stomach symptoms without establishing their cause.
Early Diagnosis Is Critical
Medical assessment plays a crucial role in identifying stomach cancer and determining the most appropriate treatment.
Depending on the patient’s symptoms and risk factors, a doctor may recommend an endoscopy, which allows the stomach lining to be examined.
Where necessary, a small tissue sample may be taken for laboratory examination to determine whether cancerous cells are present.
Other investigations may be required to establish the extent of the disease.
Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and the patient’s general health. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of treatments.
Early diagnosis can improve the opportunity to consider treatment before the disease advances.
The public is therefore encouraged to seek medical attention when unusual digestive symptoms persist rather than waiting until the condition becomes severe.
Natural Products And Cancer Prevention
As CEO of PIWAK Natural Health, producers of 3P Garlic Mixture, Dr Mortoti’s health education message also provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of responsible information about natural products and their role in personal wellness.
Garlic is widely used in food and has been studied for various biological effects. However, evidence that garlic may have certain biological properties should not be confused with proof that a particular herbal preparation can prevent or cure cancer.
There is currently insufficient scientific evidence to establish that 3P Garlic Mixture or garlic alone prevents or cures stomach cancer.
Consumers are advised not to substitute herbal preparations for appropriate medical investigations, prescribed treatment or specialist care.
People who use herbal products, especially those taking prescription medicines or undergoing cancer treatment, should discuss their use with a qualified healthcare professional because of the possibility of interactions.
Responsible health education requires that claims about the prevention or treatment of serious diseases be supported by reliable scientific evidence.
Public Education
Dr Mortoti’s message underscores the importance of sustained public education on digestive health and the need for individuals to take preventive health measures seriously.
He encourages Ghanaians to develop healthier eating habits, avoid tobacco, seek appropriate testing and treatment for relevant infections, and consult medical professionals when symptoms persist.
He further advises the public not to allow fear, misinformation or reliance on unverified remedies to delay medical attention.
Stomach cancer remains a serious health concern, but greater awareness of its risk factors and warning signs can help people make better decisions about when to seek care.
The central message is clear: persistent stomach problems should never be ignored, and appropriate medical assessment remains essential for identifying and treating potentially serious conditions.
Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti is the Chief Executive Officer of PIWAK Natural Health, producers of 3P Garlic Mixture.
