Causes of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a complex disease influenced by multiple factors. While the exact causes are not yet fully understood, several key contributors have been identified through extensive research.

1. Genetic Predisposition: Approximately 10% of stomach cancer cases are believed to have a hereditary component. Individuals with a family history of gastric cancer are at a significantly higher risk—up to two or three times more likely to develop the disease compared to those without such a history.

2. Chronic Pre-Cancerous Conditions: Long-standing gastric conditions can increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer. These include chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, large chronic gastric ulcers, and adenomatous gastric polyps. These conditions may lead to cellular changes that raise the risk of malignancy.

3. Dietary and Environmental Influences: Diet plays a crucial role in gastric cancer development. Regular consumption of smoked, salted, or mold-contaminated foods can increase exposure to nitrosamines and other carcinogens, which are strongly linked to both esophageal and stomach cancers.

4. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also significant risk factors. These habits can damage the stomach lining, promote chronic inflammation, and ultimately lead to cellular mutations that may result in cancer.

5. Helicobacter pylori Infection: Numerous studies have established a correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and the development of stomach cancer. While the exact mechanism remains unclear, it is thought that long-term infection contributes to chronic inflammation and cellular changes in the stomach lining, increasing cancer risk.

In conclusion, stomach cancer arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. By understanding and minimizing exposure to these risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of developing this disease.