Famous yesteryear actor Junior Mehmood dies at 67: All about stomach cancer that killed him

Veteran actor Junior Mehmood who entertained audiences with his incredible acting performances died at 67. He succumbed to the long battle against stomach cancer. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson. In his illustrious career, he has featured in more than 200 films.

"He was ill for 2 months and initially we thought that he might have some minor problem but after that suddenly his weight started decreasing. And when the medical reports came, it said there was cancer in the liver and lungs and a tumor in the intestine and he had also developed jaundice. The doctors said it’s a stage four cancer," his friend Salam Kazi told news agency ANI. He was then told that he only had 40 days, media reports have said.

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a malignant growth that develops in the lining of the stomach. It often begins in the cells lining the stomach's mucosa and may later invade deeper layers. Stomach cancer is a result of genetic mutations that cause uncontrolled cell growth and division. Factors such as infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, chronic inflammation of the stomach, smoking, and certain dietary factors may increase the risk.

Symptoms of stomach cancer can include abdominal pain or discomfort, indigestion, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Unfortunately, stomach cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, as early symptoms may be nonspecific or overlooked.

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Several risk factors contribute to the development of stomach cancer, a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences. Chronic infection with H. pylori, a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining, is a major risk factor. It can lead to inflammation and increase the likelihood of cancer. Individuals with close relatives (parents, siblings) who have had stomach cancer are at a higher risk, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition. Long-term tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco, has been linked to an elevated risk of stomach cancer

Diets high in salty and smoked foods and low fruit and vegetable intake may increase the risk. Nitrate-containing foods and pickled or preserved foods are also associated with higher risk. Individuals who have had certain types of stomach surgery may be at an increased risk of stomach cancer. Conditions such as pernicious anemia, chronic atrophic gastritis, and gastric polyps can elevate the risk. Stomach cancer is more common in older individuals, with the risk increasing significantly after the age of 50. Men are generally more prone to developing stomach cancer than women.