Stomach cancer risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Who is at the highest risk?

Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is a common cancer of the digestive tract worldwide, although it is uncommon in the United States. It occurs most often in men over age 40. This form of gastric cancer is very common in Japan, Chile, and Iceland.

The rate of most types of gastric adenocarcinoma in the United States has gone down over the years. Experts think the decrease may be because people are eating less salted, cured, and smoked foods.

Studies have found a number of factors that may increase the risk of stomach cancer. In recent years, scientists point out that [Helicobacter pylori] infection is the main cause of stomach cancer. HP infection and other risk factors may act together to increase the risk even more.

• Have had a Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection
• Have a gastric inflammation
• Male
• Eat lots of smoked, salted, or picked food
• Smoke cigarettes
• Have a family history of stomach cancer