A tragic case has emerged in which a man developed stomach cancer, potentially as a result of a deadly bug contracted during his gap year in India two decades earlier. Zak Wilcox, who tragically passed away at the age of 40 in 2021, backpacked across India when he was just 19. However, towards the end of his trip, he experienced prolonged sickness and diarrhea that lasted for three weeks. At the time, he believed it was a stomach bug caused by consuming food washed in tap water, which is unsafe for drinking. Zak’s mother, Rebecca Wilcox, suspects that he may have been infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium known to increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Rebecca Wilcox has launched a campaign to raise awareness about a £7 test that can detect H. pylori, believing that this bacterial infection triggered her son’s cancer. However, it is important to note that there is no definitive proof that Zak had the bug. The National Health Service (NHS) offers the test for free to individuals currently experiencing symptoms of H. pylori infection.
Rebecca Wilcox shared her thoughts with The Mirror, saying, “If he had known about the test for Helicobacter pylori after his gap year in India, where over 80 percent of the population carries this bug, he would still be here today.” It is worth noting that H. pylori can reside in the stomach lining for many years, even decades, before developing into a fatal condition.
H. pylori is a bacteria that specifically infects the lining of the stomach. It is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water, usually acquired during childhood. However, Cancer Research UK states that this infection is no longer prevalent in the UK. H. pylori infection can cause gastritis, which leads to peptic ulcers. Moreover, it is one of the primary risk factors for gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, which ranks as the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
Recent years have witnessed a significant rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori, posing a serious threat worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified aggressive strains of H. pylori as some of the most dangerous superbugs currently endangering humanity. Treatment for H. pylori infection involves a one-week regimen of three different tablets, including antibiotics and a tablet to reduce stomach acid. While most people experience no complications, approximately 10 percent of those infected may develop a range of stomach conditions, such as severe acid reflux, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. Furthermore, 1 to 3 percent of individuals with H. pylori infection eventually develop stomach cancer, although other factors like smoking and diet also contribute to the risk.
Stomach cancer symptoms can be mild and easily mistaken for chronic indigestion. Rebecca Wilcox recalled that when Zak moved back in with her in 2015, he began experiencing indigestion with certain foods, including crumpets, despite having never had issues with them before. In September 2020, his stomach pain worsened, leading him to visit his GP multiple times before undergoing an endoscopy in January 2021. Unfortunately, in November, the pain became so severe that he was urgently hospitalized, and subsequent scans revealed stomach cancer, giving him just two to five months to live. Despite undergoing stomach removal surgery in January, Zak passed away on March 9, 2021.
Rebecca Wilcox’s campaign seeks to raise awareness about the availability of the £7 test to detect H. pylori. However, it is essential to acknowledge that there is currently no concrete evidence linking Zak’s cancer to the bacterial infection. The test is freely available on the NHS for individuals exhibiting symptoms of H. pylori infection.
In conclusion, the case of Zak Wilcox highlights the potential long-term risks associated with H. pylori infection, emphasizing the need for awareness and early detection. Stomach cancer remains a significant concern, causing thousands of deaths every year. Efforts to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori are crucial, as highlighted by the WHO’s classification of aggressive strains as highly dangerous superbugs. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical advice are vital steps in improving outcomes for individuals who may be at risk.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
