A Mind of My Own

An aunt of my cousin’s passed away this week due to womb cancer. She was in her 30s. Womb cancer often strike women of age 30 and above. AY’s mother was diagnosed with womb cancer and had hers removed. She was also above the age of 30 during the diagnose. [Update] She got better after the operation. [/Update]

A talk with my father a few days back had him telling me that stomach cancer runs in my paternal side. Stomach cancer tends to hit men more than women. The causes for it is unknown. However, there are certain factors:

• Age: Most people with this disease are 72 or older.
• Sex: Men are more likely than women to develop stomach cancer.
• Race: Stomach cancer is more common in Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and African Americans than in non-Hispanic white Americans.
• Diet: Studies suggest that people who eat a diet high in foods that are smoked, salted, or pickled may be at increased risk for stomach cancer. On the other hand, eating fresh fruits and vegetables may protect against this disease.

Symptoms may include the following:

• Discomfort in the stomach area
• Feeling full or bloated after a small meal
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss

What I do not know if I will pass down the genes to my children. It’s also a good idea to compile the family’s medical history.