Some of the factors that may increase the risk for development of gastric cancer include age, gender, ethnicity, smoking, family history, diet, and h. Pylori.
- pylori is a common, treatable infection which leads to stomach inflammation and may increase the risk of developing gastric cancer.
In the United States, gastric cancer is more common in American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asians, Hispanic Americans, and African Americans than in Non-Hispanic Whites.
Risks of Stomach Cancer
Some risks cannot be controlled, but others can be REDUCED by focusing on one’s health and choices. Review these lists and see what your risks and options might be:
Behavioral/Lifestyle Risks
- Tobacco use
- Obesity
- Diets rich in smoked, salted and pickled foods
- Diets low in fresh fruits and vegetables
- Environmental exposure to dust and fumes
Risks for Personal Awareness
- Age 50 and over
- Male gender
- Having blood type A
- Long-term inflammation of the stomach
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection
- Megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia
- History of stomach polyps or stomach lymphoma
- Race (more common in Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and African Americans than in non-Hispanic Caucasian Americans)
Genetic Risks for Stomach Cancer
- A family history of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis or BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
- A family history of stomach cancer (inherited diseases)
Preventing Stomach Cancer
- Early detection is the key to surviving stomach cancer.
- Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can potentially reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
- Treatment of H. pylori infection (a common bacterial infection of the stomach) can decrease the risk of stomach cancer development.
- Knowing your family history and discussing it with your healthcare provider can help determine if you are at risk for inherited cancer syndromes.
Source https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about/risk-prevention