10 factors that increase the risk of stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is defined as the abnormal growth of cells in the stomach. Diet is the primary factor among the main causes and risk factors for stomach cancer.

It is seen twice as often in men as in women. The most common age range for diagnosis is between 50 and 60.

10 FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK OF STOMACH CANCER

Family history: Family history is considered a risk factor for stomach cancer. The risk of developing stomach cancer increases for siblings and children of individuals who have had stomach cancer. However, it is not yet known whether this increase is genetic or caused by other risk factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection.

Advancing age: As with other types of cancer, stomach cancer is more common in older ages. In fact, a very high proportion—about 95 out of every 100 stomach cancers—is diagnosed in people aged 50 and over.

Very salty foods: The prevalence of stomach cancer varies from country to country worldwide. This variation can be explained to some extent by dietary differences between regions. For example, a diet high in very salty foods increases the risk of stomach cancer. Consequently, stomach cancer rates are very high in Japan, where excessively salty pickled foods are popular.

Additionally, a diet heavy in certain canned and processed foods can also increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Processed and red meat: Various studies have found a small increase in the risk of stomach cancer in people who consume a lot of processed meat (most commonly through a fast-food style diet). It is noted that processed meats include pastrami, sausages, sucuk, and ham. These meats contain chemical substances called nitrosamines, which have been linked to stomach cancer.

In addition to these, the risk of stomach cancer also rises in people who consume red meat very frequently and in large quantities. Recent studies have shown that the risk of stomach cancer may be lower in vegetarians compared to those who consume meat.

Helicobacter pylori infection: This increases the risk of cancer in the lower part of the stomach by approximately 6 times. A specific type of this infection, called cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori, can further increase the risk of stomach cancer. Since most of the millions of people infected with this bacterium do not develop cancer, we can say that other factors are also at play in the development of stomach cancer. Diet and smoking may lead to cancer when they interact with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium.

Smoking: Due to the numerous chemical components it contains, cigarette smoke is also a significant risk factor for stomach cancer. In fact, smoking doubles the risk of stomach cancer. People who smoke and have a Helicobacter pylori infection carry 10 times the risk compared to those who do not have this infection and do not smoke. People who do not smoke but are exposed to secondhand smoke carry the same risk.

Weakened immune system: Stomach cancer is seen twice as often in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS patients, in patients whose immune systems are suppressed due to infection, and in patients using medication following organ transplants. The reason for this is that such conditions can increase the risk of infections like Helicobacter pylori.

Acid reflux: Acid reflux is defined as the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This condition can lead to inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis). Acid reflux can increase the risk of cancer in the area of the stomach closest to the esophagus.

Obesity: It can lead to many serious, life-threatening health problems. For example, it has the effect of increasing the risk of stomach cancer through insulin resistance. Therefore, losing excess weight is of great importance for a healthy life. Obesity surgery performed on overweight individuals allows for a reduction in body fat percentage and indirectly reduces the hormones released by these fat cells that lead to cancer. With this effect, it significantly lowers the risk of many cancers.

However, it has been shown that obesity surgery procedures slightly increase the risk of stomach cancer because they reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. For this reason, it is important that obesity surgery is not considered solely for aesthetic purposes and is performed only when necessary.