Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the stomach. Also, known as Gastric cancer, it affects the elderly more than the adult. According to the American Cancer Society, about 6 of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer each year are 65 or older. Also, the lifetime risk of developing stomach cancer is higher in men (about 1 in 101) than in women (about 1 in 155).

A health expert, speaking to a leading media house, emphasized five common symptoms of stomach cancer that should not be ignored:

1. Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying or experiencing an unexplained drop in appetite, which may signal cancer progression.

2. Pain in the upper part of the abdomen: Persistent or occasional pain in the stomach area, often after eating, can become more severe as the condition progresses.

3. Frequent vomiting after meals: Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, may occur especially after meals and is linked to cancer blocking or irritating the stomach.

4. Vomiting blood, which may appear coffee-colored: This can indicate bleeding in the stomach, often caused by ulcers or tumors, and requires immediate medical attention.

5. Black, tarry stools: This occurs when blood from the stomach is digested and passed through the intestines, signaling potential internal bleeding

There are also other concerning signs that should not be overlooked such as jaundice, unexplained weight loss, early onset of diabetes, dark stools, and loss of appetite. Health experts strongly advise seeking immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms. If you or a loved one experience these signs, it's crucial to visit a physician for a thorough evaluation to rule out serious underlying health conditions.

How Does Stomach Cancer Spread?

Oncologist Dr Pankaj Kumar Pande, Director–Surgical Oncology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi explained that this form of cancer spreads through three main pathways: Direct spread, lymphatic spread, and bloodstream.

1. Direct Spread: In its early stages, stomach cancer can invade nearby tissues and grow into the deeper layers of the stomach or spread to surrounding organs such as the oesophagus, liver, pancreas, or intestines.

2. Lymphatic Spread: Cancer cells can travel through the lymphatic system. The most common areas affected are the regional lymph nodes near the stomach, particularly those around the liver and diaphragm.

3. Bloodstream: "Cancer cells can enter the bloodstream and travel to distant parts of the body," which is a common route for stomach cancer to metastasize to distant organs.

He further explained that cancerous cells spread from the original tumour to other parts of the body through a process called Metastasis. The most common sites for the spread are the liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, lungs, bones, and ovaries.

You can exercise regularly, eat reasonably well and have no obvious symptoms — yet still have plaque building up inside your arteries.

The process called atherosclerosis is often slow and silent, with symptoms appearing only after plaque significantly affects blood flow — sometimes with a heart attack or stroke.

A study published earlier this month in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) found that plaque buildup can begin decades before symptoms appear. Researchers detected atherosclerosis in many apparently healthy young adults, including those in their 20s.

Atherosclerosis Can Start Decades Before Symptoms

The NEJM study showed that signs of hidden atherosclerosis could be detected in approximately one in 13 people aged 18–29. Among those aged 60–70, nine out of 10 showed signs of atherosclerosis.

Dr. Robert Grant, St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies, told HealthandMe that the most important message is that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease often begins decades before symptoms appear. Heart attacks and strokes are usually late manifestations of a process that develops gradually over many years.

“Atherosclerosis is not exclusively a disease of older adults. Clinical complications remain predominantly diseases of older adults. The pathological process often starts much earlier than the clinical disease becomes evident," he said.

The study therefore shifts our thinking from "atherosclerosis is an old-age disease" to "atherosclerosis is a lifelong disease that becomes clinically important with advancing age," he added.

Can Exercise And A Healthy Diet Protect?

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and good sleep remain important preventive measures, said Dr. Robert.

“These habits lower LDL cholesterol, improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and substantially reduce cardiovascular event rates," he said. “They are foundational and should not be minimized.”

However, healthy lifestyles do not guarantee the absence of atherosclerosis. Other risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition and family history
• Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
• Insulin resistance or diabetes
• Previously elevated LDL levels during earlier life
• Hypertension that has gone undetected or untreated

Dr. Rajat Mohan, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, also stressed that people who exercise and eat in moderation can still develop coronary disease because of other risk factors, including genetic tendencies.

He also emphasized the need to check cholesterol levels and avoid smoking.

Why Indians May Be More Vulnerable

Coronary artery disease has a high burden in the Indian population, with diabetes, family history, smoking and tobacco use among the factors contributing to risk, Dr. Rajat told HealthandMe.

"Diabetes is a precursor for developing coronary artery disease," he said.

Dr. Ramakanta Panda, renowned cardiac surgeon and Chairman, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, also pointed to studies suggesting greater vulnerability to early atherosclerosis among Indians.

Referring to the INTERHEART study, he said that Indians get their first heart attack 5-6 years earlier than people from other regions, and a UK study found double the risk compared with Europeans.

Can Normal Cholesterol And Blood Pressure Be Reassuring?

“Yes. The "normal" LDL range is not truly safe for arteries. In US adults without traditional risk factors, coronary atherosclerosis rose from 13.2% when LDL-C was below 70 mg/dL to 48.2% when it was 160 mg/dL or higher. Non-HDL cholesterol and apoB showed similar associations," Dr. Ramakanta told HealthandMe.

He added that beyond standard readings, doctors should consider:

• apoB and lipoprotein(a)
• HbA1c and insulin resistance
• Waist circumference and fatty liver
• hsCRP
• Premature family history
• Kidney disease and pregnancy complications
• Where appropriate, calcium scoring

Should Screening Be Universal?

Dr. Ramakanta said that mass screening has not been shown to reduce death rates significantly. However, targeted screening or testing can be helpful. For an apparently healthy person with no symptoms, a sensible approach is:

• Blood pressure
• Fasting glucose/HbA1c
• Lipid profile, particularly LDL
• Weight/BMI and waist circumference
• Smoking/tobacco, physical activity, diet and family history of premature heart disease
• Assess the person’s overall cardiovascular risk and treat modifiable risk factors accordingly

"The ESC specifically recommends systematic risk assessment in people without known cardiovascular disease. I would not recommend routine ECG, treadmill testing, echocardiography, or coronary CT for every asymptomatic individual unless they have risk factors.”

With the onset of winter, Delhi sees a sharp deterioration in air quality, exposing people across age groups to health risks including respiratory problems and eye irritation, among others.

Ahead of the season, the Delhi government has announced 10 interventions targeting major pollution sources, including vehicles, dust, waste and industrial emissions.

“Delhi Clean Air Action 2026 puts 10 focused interventions at the heart of the fight against pollution, targeting key sources from vehicles and dust to waste and industrial emissions. Cleaner air is a shared goal,” Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said in a post on X.

“We urge every Delhiite to join this effort through active Jan Bhagidari. Every responsible action counts towards a cleaner, healthier Delhi,” she added.

The measures were discussed during a review meeting with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Also read: World Lung Day: Dry Cough, Breathlessness May Not Always Be Asthma — Could It Be ILD?

What Are The 10 Interventions?

The key measures undertaken include:

1. No PUCC, No Fuel

Enforcement at all 500 ANPR-enabled fuel stations, backed by a city-wide awareness campaign.

2. Public Transport First

Delhi Metro Sarthi App campaign from October 1–10; last-mile connectivity at all 228 Metro stations. Bus fleet: 6,840, including 5,088 e-buses.

3. Hotspot Action

42 of 50 pollution hotspots addressed, with traffic decongestion measures planned for the remaining areas.

4. Dust Control

1,193 km of roads redeveloped; remaining work targeted by November 15. Footpath paving and faster complaint resolution also planned.

5. No Open Waste Burning

Ward-level monitoring and stronger waste collection; 98 MRSMs, up from 76 last year. Dedicated monitoring teams by October 15.

6. Greening Drive

71 lakh plantations completed; 433 of 434 acres of identified brown areas greened.

7. Construction Waste Control

Malba App registration to be mandatory for building-plan approvals. Construction restrictions begin November 1, followed by a complete ban from December 10 to January 20.

8. Winter Protocol

Doubled parking charges, staggered office timings and 50% work-from-home. Restrictions on non-Delhi, below-BS-VI vehicles from November 1, except CNG and EVs.

9. EV Push

Higher incentives for scrapping old vehicles and registration drives under the Parivartan Scheme.

10. Industrial Pollution

Monitoring stations to rise from 47 to 60, with 334 enforcement teams and an AI-enabled Command and Control Centre.

Read More: Can Air Pollution Raise Suicide Risk? Study Finds A Possible Link

Why Does Delhi’s Air Quality Worsen In Winter?

Delhi-NCR’s air quality deteriorates during the colder months as emissions combine with unfavorable weather conditions.

According to CAQM, falling wind speeds, shallow atmospheric mixing, fog and low temperatures reduce the dispersion of pollutants, allowing particulate matter to accumulate near the ground.

How Does Air Pollution Affect Health?

Air pollution contains tiny particles such as PM2.5 and PM10, along with gases including nitrogen dioxide from vehicle exhaust, sulfur dioxide from industrial emissions and carbon monoxide.

PM2.5 is of particular concern because these extremely small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and, after entering the bloodstream, trigger inflammation and affect other organs.

The health effects of air pollution go beyond respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties. Long-term exposure has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. Exposure during childhood can also affect lung development and respiratory health.

Reducing exposure to polluted air remains important, particularly during periods of poor air quality. A balanced diet and adequate nutrition can also support overall health, although nutrition cannot replace measures to reduce exposure to air pollution.

Red Bull got relief after Delhi High Court overturned a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) order that instructed the Austrian beverage giant to drop its ‘energy drink’ label. In a recent ruling, the court made its decision after it found that the Indian food regulator did not give sufficient time to the company to present its case.

While the legal fight between the food regulator and the billion-dollar beverage giant boils down to just two words on a can, the health question is much bigger: What does drinking an energy drink like Red Bull actually do to the body?

FSSAI Vs Red Bull

FSSAI had said India does not have a notified food standard specifically defining an “energy drink”, objecting to brands like Red Bull making claims like boosting energy or enhancing focus.

The regulator's concerns also included linked to what these beverages actually contain, particularly excessive caffeine, sugar, and other controversial ingredients like taurine.

The biggest concern that the lawsuit is built upon is what causes the sudden surge of ‘energy’ after someone consumes this drink. Is it giving your body useful energy?

Also read: High Sugar, Salt Or Fat? India May Mandate Red Hexagon Labels On Food Packs

Red Bull’s Ingredients And What It Does To Your Body

Caffeine

One of the main ingredients responsible for the immediate feeling of energy alertness is caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, making you feel more awake and less tired. But that boost does not mean the drink is providing the body with sustained energy in the nutritional sense.

Depending on the product, energy drinks can also contain substantial amounts of added sugar, which adds calories but does not make the drink healthier.

The caffeine content of energy drinks varies considerably. The US FDA notes that energy drinks can contain roughly 41 to 246 mg of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces, depending on the product.

The energy boost claim may comes from the caffeine content, which is what consumers should be mindful about. Too much caffeine can lead to faster heartbeat, palpitations, increased blood pressure, anxiety, jitters, headaches, nausea and sleep disruption. For most healthy adults, the FDA cites 400 mg of caffeine a day.

Also read: Every Extra 100g Ultra-Processed Food Linked To 14% Higher Heart Risk, 11% Higher BP Risk

Energy drinks can also temporarily increase blood pressure and cardiovascular load. A 2024 review and meta-analysis of randomised trials found that energy drinks acutely increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy adults.

Excess caffeine in young people can cause palpitations, increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, sleep problems and digestive symptoms. Therefore, the FDA and medical experts advise against energy drinks for children and teenagers.

This is also why energy drinks have attracted regulatory restrictions worldwide. England, for example, plans to prohibit their sale to under-16s from April next year.

Sugar

The sugar content is another reason to be careful about how often you drink energy drinks. Regular and frequent consumption of high amounts of added sugar, through liquid calories like energy drinks, can increase overall calorie intake and contribute to weight gain and obesity.

Over time, excess sugar intake is also linked with a higher risk of metabolic problems like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. For people who regularly consume these energy drinks, the concern is therefore not just the caffeine, but also how much added sugar they are consuming with each can.

Taurine

HealthAndMe previously reported that taurine may help fuel the growth of certain leukaemia cells. The research raised questions about taurine's role in blood cancer. The research was about the behaviour of cancer cells and does not establish that taurine-laced energy drinks cause blood cancer in humans.

Taurine occurs naturally in protein-rich foods like meat and fish and is also produced in the human body. Known for its function of maintaining fluid balance, cardiovascular support, and electrolyte regulation, taurine has been touted for years as a "health-enhancing" supplement. Taurine is also added to energy drinks for its claimed brain-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects and is marketed as a means to enhance mental concentration and physical output.

A study by University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Institute revealed how leukemia cancer cells hijack taurine as an energy source. Specifically, the cancer cells take in taurine to fuel glycolysis—a biological process that allows them to produce energy and proliferate at a fast rate.

The bottomline is that the Delhi High Court's ruling does not mean that Red Bull has been declared healthy. It addresses whether FSSAI followed the correct procedure when restricting the “energy drink” label. So even though Red Bull can be marketed and sold as an “energy drink”, it cannot be automatically considered healthy.