Pernicious Anaemia and Stomach Cancer: The Connection Explained

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Have you ever noticed that your phone battery can show 100% charge yet die in only 2 hours? This feels similar to someone who is suffering from pernicious anaemia. From the outside, everything seems perfectly fine; they eat well, rest up, and take their vitamins, yet somehow, their bodies still feel like they’re running on just 5%.

Pernicious anaemia is a sneaky little disease that often goes unnoticed. It hides behind common symptoms like fatigue, weakness, numbness, and forgetfulness. However, one who carries it can be at risk of gastrointestinal cancer. At first glimpse, pernicious anaemia and gastric cancer might seem unrelated—one is a blood disorder while the other is a malignancy of the stomach. Yet, they are closely connected in many surprising ways.

This blog will reveal the symptoms and significant connections between this autoimmune disease and one of the most overlooked cancers worldwide.

What is Pernicious Anaemia?

Pernicious anaemia, a leading cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, is an autoimmune condition that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12. This vitamin is crucial for producing red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body and support nerve function.

Insufficient vitamin B12 leads to anaemia and a range of neurological disorders. Pernicious anaemia adversely affects multiple systems in the body, including the digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.

What Causes Pernicious Anaemia?

Pernicious anaemia occurs when the body struggles to absorb vitamin B12, often because of an autoimmune disease. In this situation, the immune system creates antibodies that attack the cells in the stomach lining and the nerve cells responsible for making a protein known as intrinsic factor.

This deficiency can result in megaloblastic anaemia, where the red blood cells are larger and not as effective at carrying oxygen, which means our bodies may not get the oxygen they need as efficiently. Ageing, genetics, stomach surgery, and various autoimmune disorders can also elevate risk.

Symptoms of Pernicious Anaemia

Before pernicious anaemia shows up on a blood test, your body often tries to send subtle signals that something isn't quite right. Recognising these early signs can make a big difference. Here are some of the pernicious anaemia symptoms you might notice:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness when standing up or with exertion
• Loss of appetite.
• Pale skin (mild jaundice or yellowing of your eyes or skin)
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Red tongue
• Numbness and tingling in your hands and feet
• Irritability
• Heartburn
• Bleeding gums

Pernicious Anaemia and Stomach Cancer: The Connection

There's a notable connection between pernicious anaemia and gastric cancer. This type of anaemia, which arises from a deficiency of vitamin B12, can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. The link exists because pernicious anaemia often involves chronic inflammation and lower levels of stomach acid, both of which can promote the onset of gastric cancer. That's why it is essential to diagnose and treat pernicious anaemia on time, not just to address vitamin B12 deficiency but also to help prevent serious complications like cancer.

How does Pernicious Anaemia cause Gastric Cancer?

Pernicious anaemia can lead to gastric cancer through a slow and damaging process in the stomach. Here's how it occurs:

• Autoimmune attack: In pernicious anaemia, the immune system unintentionally targets the stomach cells, essential for creating stomach acid and a protein known as intrinsic factor. This autoimmune response can lead to chronic inflammation and additional complications.
• Chronic inflammation: The autoimmune attack and the resulting inflammation in the stomach can create an environment that might encourage the development of cancer.
• Cellular changes: Constant inflammation can lead to unusual changes in stomach cells, a condition known as a precancerous condition.
• Increased risk of cancer: The ongoing chronic inflammation and reduced acidity in the stomach lining increase the risk of gastric cancer over time. Early pernicious anaemia diagnosis test can lower the risk.

Pro Tip: Health surprises can be pretty costly, particularly regarding cancer. Consider exploring Cancer Insurance that covers your expenses for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery and includes a complimentary e-consultation to support you. Taking this small step now can secure your future, both in health and finance.

Prevention and Early Detection of Gastrointestinal Cancer

Early prevention and detection of gastrointestinal cancers can significantly lower the risk of these diseases. Identifying gastrointestinal cancers, particularly stomach cancer, at an early stage is vital for enhancing treatment results. Early detection strategies may include:

• Regular Screening - It helps detect gastric cancer at an early, more treatable stage, often before symptoms appear.
• Endoscopy - It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to examine the lining and detect possible abnormalities, such as early-stage cancers.
• Blood Test - This test can reveal details about organ function, potentially indicating the spread of cancer to other organs.
• MRI - It offers clear images of soft tissue, aiding in the early detection of tumours. This is particularly beneficial when other imaging methods generate uncertain results.
• Liquid Biopsy - If abnormal areas are found during endoscopy, biopsies may be performed to analyse tissue samples microscopically and verify the existence of cancer.

Prevention of Gestational Cancer:

• Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can significantly lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancers.
• Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stomach cancer risk.
• Regular physical activity also helps decrease the risk of cancer.
• If there’s a family history of stomach cancer, discuss screening with your doctor.
• Some medications, such as aspirin and other NSAIDs, may lower stomach cancer risk.
• Vaccination against stomach infection can help reduce the risk of stomach cancer.

>> Also Read: 8 Causes of Anaemia in Men

From Awareness to Action!

Pernicious Anaemia often begins as a fundamental Vitamin B12 deficiency, but its long-term consequences can be severe if left untreated. Symptoms such as ongoing fatigue and links with gastric cancer show that even minor signs should never be overlooked. Early detection and appropriate care make the condition manageable. Therefore, if your body shows signals, it is crucial to pay attention, because taking steps could safeguard your health in the long term.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.