Causes Of Stomach Cancer

When you are told you have cancer of the stomach, it is natural to wonder what might have caused the disease. But no one knows the exact causes of stomach cancer. Doctors seldom know why one person develops stomach cancer and others do not.

Doctors know that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop stomach cancer. A risk factor is anything that can increase the chances of getting a disease.

Studies have shown the following risk factors for stomach cancer:

Infection with Helicobacter pylori: H. pylori is a bacterium that usually affects the lining (mucosa) of the stomach. Infection with H. pylori can cause stomach inflammation and peptic ulcers. It also increases the risk of stomach cancer, but only a small number of infected people develop stomach cancer.

In the long term stomach: people who have conditions associated with long-term gastritis (such as anemia, a blood disorder) are at increased risk of stomach cancer. In addition, people who have been part of the stomach may be out long term inflammation of the stomach and an increased risk of gastric cancer for many years of their surgery.

Smoking: Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop gastric cancer. Heavy smokers are at increased risk.

Family history: close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters or children) of a person with a history of stomach cancer is slightly higher chance of developing their disease. If many close relatives have a history of stomach cancer, the risk is even greater.

Poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity:

Studies suggest that people who eat a diet rich in foods that are smoked, salted or pickled have an increased risk of stomach cancer. On the other hand, people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk for this disease.

Lack of exercise can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

In addition, people who are obese may be at increased risk of developing cancer of the upper stomach.

Most people who have known risk factors do not develop stomach cancer. For example, many people infected with H. pylori, but never develop cancer.

On the other hand, those who develop the disease, sometimes no known risk factors.