Gastric Cancer Risk Factors

Understanding Gastric Cancer Risk Factors

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. In the United States, the incidence of gastric cancer has decreased over the years. Doctors believe improved dietary habits may be a factor. Diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables are thought to reduce the risk of gastric cancer.

At the same time, the chances of developing gastric cancer potentially increase in populations that consume a lot of preserved and salted foods. This is particularly apparent in developing countries, where food storage techniques and lack of refrigeration may compromise the quality of food, resulting in an increased incidence of food-borne illnesses and bacterial infections that may lead to higher rates of gastric cancer.

Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer

Often there is not one cause of gastric cancer, but rather a combination of factors (some that we may not be aware of or able to control) that increase the risk of developing gastric cancer.

Unfortunately, we cannot control certain risk factors, like age, gender and ethnicity. For example, men over age 65 are at an increased risk for gastric cancer, which is twice as common in men as it is in women. Ethnicity may play a role as well. There tends to be higher rates of gastric cancer in Hispanic Americans and African Americans. And gastric cancer is most common in Asian and Pacific Islanders.

On the other hand, there are many known risk factors that are manageable. Simply eating a well-balanced diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables may actually lower your risk of certain kinds of gastric cancer.

The following are some known risk factors for gastric cancer:

• Helicobacter pylori infection - The H. pylori bacterium is capable of living in the acidic environment within the stomach and duodenum (upper part of the small intestines). Over 50 percent of the world's population is infected with H. pylori, but only some long-term infections will cause damage to the stomach lining. The majority of peptic ulcers are believed to be caused by H. pylori. Chronic inflammation or ulcers may change the cells in the stomach lining.
• Poor dietary habits - Diets consisting mainly of preserved or pickled foods, like smoked or cured meats, may lead to an increased risk of gastric cancer. Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk.
• Obesity - This condition may have many adverse effects on your overall health. Obesity may also be linked to overeating or poor dietary habits, which are also risk factors. There is evidence that obesity may be a possible cause of certain gastric cancers, particularly cancers of the cardia (the upper region of the stomach closest to the esophagus).
• Smoking - Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop gastric cancer. Alcohol, on its own or combined with smoking, may also increase the risk.
• Type A Blood - For unknown reasons, there is a higher rate of stomach cancer in people with type A blood.
• Pernicious anemia - This particular condition inhibits the body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12 and may be a result of an autoimmune atrophic gastritis disorder.
• Diseases or chronic inflammation - Certain rare stomach conditions, like Menetrier disease, may cause changes in the stomach lining. The Epstein-Barr virus may also play a role in the development of gastric cancer. This virus, known for causing "mono" (infectious mononucleosis), has been linked to about five to 10 percent of stomach cancer cases. Chronic gastritis, long-term stomach inflammation, stomach polyps, or previous stomach surgeries also are considered a potential risk.

NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors does not mean that you won't get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.

Inherited Factors

There are certain familial or genetic factors that have been found to be related to an increased risk of developing stomach cancers. People who have relatives with stomach cancer are at a greater risk for developing the disease. However, most cases of stomach cancer occur sporadically; that is, there is typically no known hereditary link.

Managing Your Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancers are common. However, proactive measures, like eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, may reduce your risk of developing gastric cancers. Talk to your doctor about strategies for managing these risk factors.

Next Topic: Gastric Cancer Symptoms