Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Causes of Cancer of the stomach

The cause of stomach cancer is still not fully understood. It affects mostly older people; 9 out of every 10 people who are diagnosed are over 55 (2). The predominant factor is diet. Poor diet (not eating enough fruit and vegetables), drinking alcohol and smoking are known factors. There is some suggestion of a genetic element, but the cause of stomach cancer is more likely to be environmental, meaning that it is caused by factor such as diet.

Infection with a stomach bug called Helicobacter pylori bacteria may be linked to stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is more common in people who have H. pylori , but only about 1 in 300 people who have H. pylori get stomach cancer (3).

Stomach cancer is more common in people who have pernicious anaemia, which affects the lining of the stomach and results in a lack of Vitamin B12.

People who have any type of condition that means their stomach produces less acid may be at a slightly higher risk of developing stomach cancer. For this reason, if you have had a stomach ulcer you may be at a higher risk, but not if you have had a duodenal ulcer.

People with blood group A are more likely to develop stomach cancer than those with other blood groups. People who have a hereditary condition in which they have small growths (polyps) in their stomach, are also more at risk of developing stomach cancer.

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