Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer
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A risk factor is something that increases your chances of developing cancer.
It is possible to develop stomach cancer with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing stomach cancer. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
There are a number of risk factors for the development of stomach cancer. Many of the risk factors involve decreased levels of acid in the stomach—conditions that affect the amount of stomach acid produced seem to increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Researchers would like to understand more about the risk factors for stomach cancer. For example, there is a much higher risk of stomach cancer among people living in Japan. No one is sure what causes this increased risk. Some researchers think the increased risk may be related to an environmental exposure occurring in early childhood.
The major risk factors for stomach cancer include the following:
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking is known to increase the risk of developing cancer in the part of the stomach closest to the esophagus.
Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) Infection
H. pylori is a type of bacteria known to cause stomach ulcers and chronic inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Although it appears that a large percentage of people with stomach cancer have H. pylori infection, the majority of people with this type of infection don’t go on to develop stomach cancer. Still, it’s important not to ignore symptoms of ulcers or stomach inflammation. H. pylori can be effectively treated with antibiotics, and it is important to do so to decrease your risk of developing stomach cancer.
Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
In this disease, the stomach has fewer glands than normal, resulting in chronic inflammation in the stomach and decreased acid production, both of which can increase your risk of stomach cancer.
Nitrates, Nitrites, and Other Dietary Factors
People who eat a large amount of foods that are preserved with nitrates, nitrites, and other substances, such as through smoking, salting, or pickling have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.
As with other forms of cancer, certain foods appear to be protective against stomach cancer. For example, people whose diets are high in fiber and vegetables may have a lower risk of developing stomach cancer.
Alcohol Use
Heavy alcohol use may increase the risk of developing cancer in the part of the stomach closest to the esophagus.
Occupational Exposures
You may have a higher risk of stomach cancer if you work in a job, such as a mechanic or contractor, which exposes you to high levels of heavy metals, rubber, or asbestos.
Family History
Your risk of developing stomach cancer is increased if others in your family have had stomach cancer. You are also at higher risk if your family has a history of hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch Syndrome or HNPCC), familial adenomatous polyposis, or the inherited breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2.
History of Stomach Surgery
You have an increasing risk of developing stomach cancer starting at about 15 years after having had stomach surgery, such as a partial gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach) and vagotomy (surgery involving the vagus nerve).
History of Stomach Polyps
Polyps are benign fleshy growths that may occur on the lining of the stomach. Your risk of stomach cancer is increased if you have the kind of polyp known as an “adenomatous polyp.” Other kinds of stomach polyps don’t increase your risk.
Pernicious Anemia
People with pernicious anemia have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. Pernicious anemia, also called megaloblastic anemia, is a rare disorder in which the body does not absorb enough vitamin B12 from the digestive tract, leading to decreased production of red blood cells (RBCs). Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of a substance called intrinsic factor, which is normally in the digestive tract and is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 from food.
Age
People over the age of 50 have an increased risk of stomach cancer. The average age at diagnosis is between 60 and 70 years of age.
Race
People of Hispanic, Asian, or African origin have a considerably greater risk of developing stomach cancer.
Gender
Men are about twice as likely as women to develop stomach cancer.
Blood Type
People with type A blood have an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. Researchers are still trying to understand why.
References:
Cecil Textbook of Medicine.
Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002: 738-741.
Conn’s Current Therapy 2002. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002: 527-529.
Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease.
Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 1998: 733-749.
What is stomach cancer? American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/ . Accessed December 2002.
What you need to know about stomach cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/stomach . Accessed December 2002.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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