A new global study has linked Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)—a common stomach bacterium—to approximately 76% of all gastric cancer cases. This translates to 12 million out of 16 million predicted stomach cancer cases among individuals born between 2008 and 2017.
Researchers emphasized that Asia will carry the highest burden, with an estimated 8 million H. pylori-related cases. Another 1.5 million are expected across North and South America. These findings highlight the urgent need for prevention strategies, including broader screening and the potential development of an H. pylori vaccine.
What Is H. pylori?
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining, often beginning in childhood. It is adapted to survive in the stomach’s acidic environment and can persist for decades without causing symptoms.
However, in some individuals, H. pylori may lead to:
- Peptic ulcers
- Chronic gastritis
- Gastric (stomach) cancer
Approximately 30% of those infected may develop complications such as ulcers or malignancy. Transmission is typically via saliva, contaminated food, or shared utensils.
Symptoms of H. pylori Infection
Many people with H. pylori are asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Burning stomach pain
- Feeling full quickly
- Nausea
- Burping
- Unexplained weight loss
Testing options include breath tests, stool tests, blood antibody tests, or endoscopy with biopsy. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to aid healing.
Why H. pylori Matters in Cancer Prevention
This study reinforces long-standing evidence that H. pylori is a major driver of stomach cancer—a preventable cancer if detected and treated early. Despite being known for over 30 years, the infection remains underdiagnosed in many populations.
Experts stress that persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly among high-risk populations, should not be ignored. If left untreated, H. pylori can contribute to cancer development over time.
Who Should Get Tested?
Routine screening is not currently recommended in the U.S. for people at average risk. However, targeted screening is advised for:
- Individuals with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
- People with a family history of gastric cancer
- First-generation immigrants from high-prevalence regions (e.g., East Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of South America)
- Households with a known H. pylori infection
When one household member is diagnosed, it’s recommended that others living in the same home be tested due to the potential for transmission.
Understanding Stomach Cancer Risk
According to the National Cancer Institute, about 30,000 new stomach cancer cases are expected in the U.S. this year, resulting in more than 10,000 deaths. Though it accounts for less than 2% of all U.S. cancers, it has a poor prognosis when diagnosed late.
Risk factors for stomach cancer include:
- H. pylori infection
- Age over 60
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diets high in processed, salty, or smoked foods
- Family history
- Certain genetic predispositions
- Being of Asian descent
Symptoms to watch for:
- Frequent heartburn or indigestion
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating or burping
Reducing Your Risk
Prevention strategies include:
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Regular physical activity
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
- Testing and treating H. pylori infections when diagnosed
- Seeking medical advice for chronic digestive symptoms
Early detection and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference in reducing gastric cancer risk.
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