Helicobacter pylori infection can increase the chances or risk of getting stomach cancer. A research study published in NEJM in March 2023 looked at how certain genes can also affect the risk of developing stomach cancer when combined with H. pylori infection.
The study found that nine genes (APC, ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PALB2) can contribute to the risk of getting stomach cancer. People who have both H. pylori infection and a harmful gene variant have a higher risk of getting stomach cancer than those without the gene variant but with H. pylori infection.
At age of 85 years, for those people who have both H. pylori infection and a harmful gene varian, there is a higher risk of developing stomach cancer compared to those who have H. pylori infection but do not carry the harmful gene variant. The risk is 45.5% for those with both conditions, while it is 14.4% for those with H. pylori infection but without the harmful gene variant.
Some of the ways that may be helpful or not in minimizing the modifiable risk factors of developing gastric cancer:
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of gastric cancer. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk.
- Healthy diet: A healthy diet that includes more of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Eating a diet high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods may increase the risk.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing cancer.
- Alcohol consumption quitting can decrease the risk of cancer.
- Treating H. pylori infection: H. pylori infection can increase the risk of developing gastric cancer. If you have an H. pylori infection, it’s important to get consulted with your doctor for treatment.
- Regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with your doctor, following instructions and screenings can help detect gastric cancer early, when it is most treatable.
