Causes and prevention of stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is the third most frequent tumor and the second cause of death related to cancer worldwide. However, in developed countries, contrary to what happens with colon cancer, its frequency has decreased. This seems due to the improvement of living conditions, the conservation of food, and the greater consumption of fruits, vegetables and vitamins.

In any case, stomach cancer is a very important problem for which all means must be put in place to prevent it, diagnose it early, and treat it in the most appropriate way.

There are some situations associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer such as chronic atrophic gastritis , previous gastric surgery (when a part of the stomach has been removed), having a first degree relative who has suffered it, or infection with Helicobacter pylori. .

Thus, people with first degree relatives (parents, siblings or children) affected by gastric cancer have two to three times more risk of suffering from this tumor. In all the above cases it is recommended to look for Helicobacter pylori infection and treat it (when present). In this way the risk of suffering from this type of cancer is reduced.

Only in selected cases and in populations with high frequency of gastric cancer (as in Japan) is it advisable to perform periodic gastroscopies for the early detection of the tumor.