Worldwide, gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths according to the World Health Organization. There are certain risk factors that can cause an individual to contract the disease. Knowledge of these causes can help a patient recognize the chance of getting gastric cancer and seeking proper screening. By screening high-risk patients often and early, doctors are able to diagnose the cancer early, and this drastically improves the survival rate of the patient.
H. pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that can infect the stomach tissue. H. pylori can be seen in patients who have gastritis or ulcers. Johns Hopkins Medicine believes that infection with this bacteria is the single greatest risk factor that aids in the development of gastric cancer. The institution reports that infected individuals have an 8-fold increased risk of developing gastric cancer.
Chronic Gastritis
The National Cancer Institute lists chronic gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach, as an important risk factor for gastric cancer. Long-term inflammation of the lining of the stomach may cause the cells to change. This changing can lead to dysplasia, which is a pre-cancerous condition. Patients with chronic gastritis may also be infected with H. pylori, and this may aid in the progression to cancer.
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a condition that occurs when a patient's immune system starts to destroy the acid-secreting cells in the stomach. The National Cancer Institute states that this disease predisposes patients to gastric cancer. Pernicious anemia can lead to a form of gastritis, and increases the chances that the H. pylori bacteria will infect the patient.
Family History of Gastric Cancer
People who have family members that have been diagnosed with gastric cancer are at a high risk of developing the cancer. There is a genetic factor in determining the causes of cancer. Families that have a history of gastric cancer should undergo early screening procedures to help with the early diagnosis of the disease.
Diet
According to MayoClinic.com, a diet that is high in salted, smoked foods and low in fruits and vegetables may cause gastric cancer. The reason for this has yet to be established, but most doctors ask patients who already have other risk factors, like a family history of gastric cancer, to avoid diets high in salt, and to eat more vegetables.
Gastric Polyps
Gastric polyps are growths of tissue in the stomach. Polyps can lead to the development of gastric cancer. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that polyps that are greater than 0.5 cm have a large risk of evolving into gastric cancer. Patients who have already been diagnosed with gastric polyps should have regular check-ups to ensure that the polyp has not developed into cancer.
