胃癌：包括华人在内的东亚社区移民面临的、日益严峻的健康威胁
在东亚社区中是一个重大的健康威胁，胃癌发病率高居世界前列。随着加拿大警惕胃癌日（11月30日）的临近，医学专家和癌症幸存者们呼吁提高对早期症状、改变不良生活方式和防范措施重要性的认识，特别是在高风险人群中尤其重要。温哥华的胃癌医生林医生飙升，这种知识的传播至关重要，有助于防止病例在未被察觉的情况下恶化。
Stomach cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly within East Asian countries and communities where incidence rates are notably high on a global scale. With Canadian Stomach Cancer Awareness Day approaching on November 30th, medical experts and survivors alike are urging greater awareness of early signs, lifestyle risks, and the importance of proactive health measures for those in at-risk groups. For Vancouver’s Dr. Howard Lim, an oncologist with BC Cancer, spreading this knowledge is essential in helping prevent cases from advancing undetected.
饮食习惯在胃癌高发率中起着关键作用，”林医生解释道，“发酵和腌制食品，比如pickles and kimchi等是常常出现在许多东亚国家饮食习惯中，但过量食用与胃癌风险增加有关。”虽然适量食用这些食物无害，但东亚饮食中较高的食用频率和数量可能会引起健康隐患。林医生建议找到适当的平衡，尤其是对于在北美仍保留传统饮食习惯的移民来说。除了饮食之外，幽门螺杆菌（Helicobacter pylori 或 H. pylori）等因素也会增加胃癌的风险，但其影响程度目前仍在争论中。而一些东亚国家典型的饮食模式被认为对癌症发病率的影响更大。
“Diet plays a critical role,” explains Dr. Lim. “Fermented and preserved foods—like pickles and kimchi—are predominately in many East Asian diets, but overconsumption has been linked to increased stomach cancer risks.” While these foods are not harmful in moderation, the higher frequency and quantity typical in East Asian diets could raise concerns. Dr. Lim suggests finding a balance in how much you consume, particularly for immigrants who maintain traditional diets in North America. Beyond diet, factors like the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) also contribute to stomach cancer risks, though the extent of this impact is still debated. The dietary patterns typical in some East Asian countries are believed to have a stronger impact on cancer rates.
对于两年前被诊断出胃癌的本拿比居民卡洛斯·帕拉来说，对胃癌危险性的认识成为了他抗癌旅程中的关键一步。在经历了持续的不适后，帕拉被确诊为侵袭性二期胃癌，需接受化疗并进行全胃切除手术。“得知我需要将整个胃切除时，我感到非常震惊，”帕拉回忆道，“但对手术过程和风险的理解，帮助我对治疗进程有所准备。”手术于2023年3月进行，切除了整个胃、21个淋巴结以及一部分食管。如今，帕拉已无癌肿，他决心帮助他人了解胃癌早期症状，并及时就诊。
For Carlos Parra, a Burnaby resident diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago, awareness became a crucial part of his journey. After experiencing persistent discomfort, Parra was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 2 stomach cancer that required both chemotherapy and a full gastrectomy. “Hearing I needed to have my stomach removed was devastating,” Parra recalls, “but understanding the process and risks helped me prepare.” The surgery, conducted in March 2023, removed his entire stomach, 21 lymph nodes, and a portion of his esophagus. Today, Parra is cancer-free and determined to help others recognize the symptoms before it’s too late.
胃癌的症状往往会被忽视，被误认为简单的消化问题，因而会导致误诊。症状包括食物堵塞或吞咽困难、频繁呕吐以及在一两个月内掉10到15磅。“在胃癌发病率较高的亚洲国家，筛查更为常规化，”林医生指出，“但在北美，由于总体发病率较低，筛查往往更有针对性，主要集中在高风险人群。”
Symptoms of stomach cancer are often mistaken for less serious digestive issues, which contributes to late diagnosis. Signs include food sticking or difficulty swallowing, frequent vomiting, and unintentional weight loss of 10-15 pounds over a month or two. “In Asian countries where stomach cancer rates are high, there is more routine screening,” Dr. Lim notes. “But in North America, because the overall rate is lower, screening tends to be more targeted, focusing on individuals who are at higher risk.”
早期发现的重要性显而易见。随着胃癌治疗的进步，如果及早发现，该疾病是高度可治疗的，甚至可以治愈。加拿大胃癌基金会‘My Gut Feeling’等倡导组织正在积极推动宣传活动。据‘My Gut Feeling’网站介绍，他们在11月30日发起的全球性活动，将各地地标建筑点以紫蓝色点亮，象征着给与患者的希望之光，并提醒人们警惕这一常被称为‘无声杀手’的疾病。
The importance of early detection is clear. Advances in stomach cancer treatment mean that if caught early, the disease is highly treatable and even curable. Advocacy groups like My Gut Feeling, Canada’s Stomach Cancer Foundation, are leading efforts to promote awareness. According to the My Gut Feeling website, their global initiative to illuminate landmarks in periwinkle blue on November 30th represents a beacon of hope for those affected and a reminder of the importance of vigilance against this often 'silent killer'.
对于帕拉来说，康复之路并不平坦，他不得不面对化疗的副作用，在切除了胃的情况下练习吞咽食物，并应对体重减轻的挑战。然而，他对家人、朋友和医疗团队的支持充满感激。‘这次经历改变了我对生活的看法，’帕拉感慨道，‘我很感恩能够分享我的故事并提高人们的意识。如果因此能让哪怕一个人早日检查，我们的努力就没白费。
For Parra, the journey to recovery wasn’t easy, involving side effects from chemotherapy, learning to swallow without a stomach, and coping with weight loss. Yet, he is grateful for the support of his family, friends, and healthcare team. “This experience has changed my outlook on life,” Parra reflects. “I’m grateful to be able to share my story and raise awareness. If just one person gets checked early because of this, it’s worth it.”
患者倡导在推动治疗和支持网络的进步中起着至关重要的作用。随着像林医生这样的胃癌肿瘤学家继续研究影响胃癌的独特基因、微生物和饮食因素，教育和主动的医疗保健成为高风险社区的有力工具。对于这些社区来说，提高认识确实可以挽救生命。战胜胃癌的征程始于对其认识的提升、早期筛查以及改变不良生活方式——这是卡洛斯·帕拉和林医生希望在加拿大乃至更广泛地区传递的信息。
Patient advocacy plays a crucial role in driving advancements in treatment and support networks. As gastric cancer oncologists like Dr. Lim continue research into the unique genetic, microbial, and dietary factors affecting stomach cancer, education and proactive healthcare become powerful tools for communities at higher risk. For these communities, awareness can truly mean the difference between life and death. The journey to reducing stomach cancer’s impact begins with awareness, early screening, and making informed lifestyle choices—a message that Carlos Parra and Dr. Lim hope to echo throughout Canada and beyond.
