8 Common Things That May Increase Your Risk of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells lining the stomach. This happens when the cells lining the stomach mutate and grow at an uncontrollable rate. There are several known risk factors for stomach cancer.

Many factors can contribute to stomach cancer, including several precancerous conditions and genetic mutations.

Precancerous conditions

Stomach cancer usually starts as a precancerous cancer changes in the inner lining of the stomach. Precancerous conditions are changes that occur in the body that can lead to cancer. Several precancerous changes can occur in the stomach lining and increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Precancerous conditions linked to stomach cancer may include:

• Helicobacter pylori infection: H. pylori The bacteria can cause a chronic (long-term) infection of the stomach lining. Although the infection usually does not have symptoms, it can lead to inflammation and ulcers (sores), which can cause precancerous changes leading to stomach cancer.
• Atrophic gastritis: This is a thinning of the stomach lining caused by H. pylori infection. An autoimmune disease that damages the stomach lining, such as thyroid disease, can also cause atrophic gastritis. Over time, this can cause stomach cancer.
• Intestinal metaplasia: This is a condition in which the cells lining the stomach resemble those that usually line the intestine. These cellular changes can lead to stomach cancer.
• Pernicious anemia: This type of anemia (lack of red blood cells) leads to a vitamin B12 deficiency and increases the risk of stomach cancer.

Genetic mutations

Cancer occurs when normal cells mutate and grow uncontrollably. Genes are parts of DNA (the material that controls how cells work) that pass traits from parents to children. When DNA changes or mutates, it affects how the cell grows and divides.

Stomach cancer develops when the DNA in the cells lining the stomach mutates. There are several risk factors, including:

• Chronic H. pylori infection
• A diet rich in preserved meats
• Tobacco consumption

Inherited genetic mutations, which are mutations passed down from generation to generation, can also cause stomach cancer. This means your risk of stomach cancer is higher if one of your parents had this cancer. Researchers estimate that hereditary genetic changes cause less than 3% of stomach cancer cases.

The risk of stomach cancer increases if you have a family history of the disease. Having a parent or sibling with this type of cancer means you are more likely to be diagnosed with it.

The risk of stomach cancer is higher if you have a close family member with any of the following diseases or conditions:

• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Familial intestinal-gastric cancer
• Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS)
• Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC)
• Juvenile polyposis syndrome
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Lynch syndrome
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Some people are more likely than others to develop stomach cancer. In addition to precancerous conditions and family history, the following factors affect your risk:

• Age: Anyone can develop stomach cancer, but the risk increases with age. The average age at diagnosis is 68 years.
• Sex: People assigned male at birth are more likely to be diagnosed with stomach cancer than people assigned female at birth.
• Ethnic origin: People who are Black, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, Native American, or Alaska Native are at higher risk of stomach cancer.

There are several known risk factors for stomach cancer, some of which are reversible.

1. Infections

A chronic infection with H. pylori is a significant risk factor for stomach cancer. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a viral infection, may also increase the risk of several types of cancer, including stomach cancer and lymphoma. EBV causes mononucleosis (mono), an illness with flu-like symptoms that most people will experience at some point in their lives.

About 5 to 10 percent of people with stomach cancer have EBV present in cancer cells. However, researchers aren’t sure why EBV increases the risk of stomach cancer.

2. History of polyps

Stomach polyps are growths on the inner lining of the stomach. Most polyps do not affect a person’s risk of cancer. One type of polyp, called an adenoma, is known to increase the risk of cancer.

3. History of stomach surgery

People who have previously had stomach surgery are at higher risk of stomach cancer. This is because people who have had at least part of their stomach removed may produce less stomach acid. Stomach acid helps reduce harmful bacteria in the stomach. Having less acid can increase the amount of harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and cancer.

4. Obesity

Some people whose weight is classified as overweight or obese may be at increased risk of several types of cancer, including stomach cancer.

5. Diet

A diet high in processed meats, such as bacon or processed meats, may increase the risk of stomach cancer. Meat that is smoked, grilled, charred, or preserved with salt can lead to genetic mutations and precancerous changes in the stomach. Other foods preserved in salt, such as certain types of fish and marinated foods, may also increase risk.

It is known that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of stomach cancer. Vitamins and antioxidants (substances that help prevent cell damage) found in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of infection and genetic mutations.

6. Consumption of alcohol or tobacco

People who regularly use alcohol or tobacco may be at increased risk of stomach cancer.

People who drink three or more glasses of alcohol per day are more likely to develop stomach cancer than those who don’t drink alcohol.

The rate of stomach cancer is doubled in people who smoke regularly. Smoking cigarettes or cigars increases the risk of developing genetic mutations leading to cancer. Tobacco use also makes H. pylori treatment less effective.

7. Environmental exposures

The presence of certain chemicals and substances increases the risk of stomach cancer. People who work in the rubber or coal industries may breathe harmful chemicals that increase the risk of genetic mutations. People exposed to high levels of radiation are also more likely to develop stomach cancer.

8. Blood type

People with blood types A and AB are more likely to develop stomach cancer than people with other blood types. Researchers aren’t sure why this blood type has a higher risk.

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the stomach. This happens when cells in the stomach lining mutate, grow, and divide uncontrollably. A chronic infection with H. pylori can cause stomach inflammation and increase the risk of cancer.

Known risk factors for stomach cancer include precancerous conditions, certain genetic disorders, family history of stomach cancer, diet, smoking, history of stomach surgery, and certain infections. If you are concerned about your risk of developing stomach cancer, contact your doctor.