Factors that increase risk
- Diet. The risk of stomach cancer may be increased in people who eat a diet low in fruit and vegetables, or a diet high in salted or smoked foods.
- Family History. Having a family history of stomach cancer increases a person's risk.
- Medical conditions. Infection with Helicobacter pylori, Intestinal metaplasia, long-term inflammation of the stomach, Pernicious anemia and stomach polyps can increase your risk of getting stomach cancer.
- Smoking. Smoking increases stomach cancer risk, particularly for cancers of the upper portion of the stomach near the esophagus. The rate of stomach cancer is about doubled in smokers.
- Environmental factors. Environmental factors that may increase the risk of stomach cancer include being exposed to radiation or working in the rubber or coal industry.
Factors that decrease risk
- Quitting smoking. Studies show that smoking is linked with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Stopping smoking or never smoking decreases the risk of stomach cancer.
- Treating Helicobacter pylori infection. Some studies show that treating H. pylori infection with antibiotics lowers the risk of stomach cancer.
Inherited stomach cancer clues
Genetic conditions may increase the risk of stomach cancer in people with any of the following:
- A mother, father, sister or brother who has had stomach cancer
- Type A blood
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
- Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC; Lynch syndrome)