Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
About 1.5% of new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are stomach cancer. More than 90% of stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop in the gland cells in the innermost lining of the stomach, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Stomach cancer has many risk factors that may not directly cause cancer but can contribute to cell damage that leads to cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Risks include health conditions, lifestyle factors and genetics. Here is a look at the various risks for stomach cancer and how to make changes to reduce that risk.
Health conditions that increase stomach cancer risk
H. pylori infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that can spread through salvia, vomit or stool and can cause infection in the stomach’s mucosal layer. A chronic H. pylori infection increases cancer risk in the lower and middle parts of the stomach, according to the NCI. This infection can be asymptomatic for many, but symptoms include ulcers and atrophic gastritis.
Other risk factors for stomach cancer include:
- obesity
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic disease where stomach acid flows up into the esophagus
- chronic atrophic gastritis, which is the long-term inflammation that leads to a thinner stomach lining
- atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia, which is a condition that means cells that line the intestines move into the stomach
- Epstein-Barr virus infection
- pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition that results in a low red blood cell count
- previous stomach surgeries
- adenomatous polyps, or adenomas
While diseases and health conditions are not always preventable, managing them can reduce the risk for stomach cancer. Talk to your primary care physician about ways to treat these conditions and take your medication as prescribed.
Genetics that increase risk for stomach cancer
Sex
Men get stomach cancer more often than women.
Age
Risk for stomach cancer increases with age. Most people diagnosed with stomach cancer are age 60 or older.
Ethnicity
Stomach cancer is more common in:
- African Americans
- Asian Americans
- Hispanic Americans
- Native Americans
- Pacific Islanders
Additionally, anyone with a family history of stomach cancer may have increased risk for the disease.
While genetics aren’t something people can change, they can be aware of the increased risk and discuss screenings with their doctor.
Lifestyle factors for stomach cancer
Diet
Eating a lot of foods preserved with salt, little fruit, processed meats and grilled meats increases the risk for stomach cancer.
Include fresh fruits and raw vegetables in your diet to reduce the risk.
Alcohol use
Alcohol use may increase the risk for stomach cancer, especially in people who have three or more alcoholic drinks a day, according to the ACS.
Tobacco use
Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products leads to a higher risk of stomach cancer.
Lifestyle factors are the risk group that people have the most control over. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, not smoking and limiting alcohol can reduce the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including cancer.
Image: Getty Images
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