Health Science

Factors that affect the development of stomach cancer

Learn about the various factors that can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer, including age, gender, diet, H. pylori infection, family history, smoking, obesity, and more by Chelsea Parham
Estimated reading time: 3 min 20 sec
Factors that affect the development of stomach cancer Photo by Daniel Reche on Pexels

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a malignant tumor that occurs in the stomach. It is a deadly disease that affects millions of people each year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect the development of stomach cancer.

Age

Age is one of the main risk factors for stomach cancer. The disease is more common in people over the age of 50. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about two-thirds of people diagnosed with stomach cancer are over the age of 65.

Gender

Men are more likely to develop stomach cancer than women. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Diet

Diet is an important risk factor for stomach cancer. A diet that is high in salty and smoked foods, pickled vegetables, and low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified salted fish and pickled vegetables as group 1 carcinogens, meaning they are known to cause cancer in humans. On the other hand, diets that are high in fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of stomach cancer.

Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining. It is a major risk factor for stomach cancer. According to the NCI, about 50% of stomach cancers are linked to H. pylori infection.

The bacteria can cause inflammation and damage to the stomach lining, which can lead to the development of cancer over time.

Family history

A family history of stomach cancer can increase the risk of developing the disease. People who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with stomach cancer are two to three times more likely to develop the disease themselves.

Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for various types of cancers, including stomach cancer. According to the ACS, smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop stomach cancer.

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The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the DNA of cells in the stomach lining, leading to the development of cancer over time.

Obesity

Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of various types of cancers, including stomach cancer. The ACS reports that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop stomach cancer than people who are at a healthy weight.

Obesity can cause inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development of cancer over time.

Exposure to certain chemicals

Exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of stomach cancer. People who work in the rubber and coal industries, or who are exposed to asbestos, have an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.

These chemicals can damage the DNA of cells in the stomach lining, leading to the development of cancer over time.

Previous stomach surgeries

People who have had previous surgeries to remove part of the stomach (such as for an ulcer) may have an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.

The ACS reports that people who have had partial gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach) have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer than people who have not had the surgery.

Blood type

Recent studies have suggested that people with blood type A may have an increased risk of stomach cancer compared to people with other blood types. However, more research is needed to confirm this association.

Conclusion

Stomach cancer is a deadly disease that can be caused by a variety of factors. Age, gender, diet, H.

pylori infection, family history, smoking, obesity, exposure to certain chemicals, previous stomach surgeries, and blood type are all risk factors for stomach cancer. By understanding these risk factors and taking steps to reduce our exposure to them, we can help to reduce our risk of developing this deadly disease.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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