We don’t fully understand the cause of stomach cancer, but there are important risk factors that you should be aware of (and take note of if/when symptoms present).
The OSUCCC – James’ approach to understanding stomach cancer emphasizes how to prevent, diagnose and treat it. There are certain risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing stomach cancer; you should speak with your doctor if you have any of them.
Stomach cancer risk factors
Stomach cancer is most often found when damage has been done to the lining of the stomach. Certain dietary choices or other lifestyle factors can contribute to that damage.
Some of the risk factors associated with stomach cancer include:
- Gastritis: This condition causes inflammation and irritation inside of the stomach. Common symptoms of gastritis include bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion and a loss of appetite.
- Family history: Certain factors may place you at a higher risk of stomach cancer, including specific genetic mutations, a history of stomach cancer in the family, hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), or other cancers.
- Dietary factors: People who consume a diet of foods that are high in salt content, or foods smoked with nitrites, increase their risk of developing stomach cancer. Diets low in fruits and vegetables are also a risk factor.
- Smoking and alcohol cessation: If you are a tobacco (cigarette) smoker, you’re at a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. Those who consume alcohol to excess (three to four drinks per day) are also at an elevated risk of stomach cancer.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is chronic acid reflux, where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, dry cough and/or sore throat, and recurrent acid reflux.
Genetic conditions associated with increased gastric cancer risk
There are some risk factors you can influence and some you can’t. One of the factors you can’t influence is genetic and hereditary conditions. There are some genetic factors that could increase your chances of developing stomach cancer.
Those conditions include:
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Familial intestinal gastric cancer
- Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC)
- Li–Fraumeni syndrome
- Lynch syndrome
- Peutz–Jeghers syndrome
- Juvenile polyposis syndrome
If you have any of the above risk factors of stomach cancer, or feel that your family history places you at risk, you should speak with a gastrointestinal cancer expert at the OSUCCC – James.
What to know about screening for stomach cancer
There are no screening recommendations for people at average or moderate risk of stomach cancer in the United States. Most people who are diagnosed with stomach cancer have shown signs or symptoms, and their disease is found with special tests.
If you have symptoms or an existing hereditary condition that puts you at increased risk (such as a known genetic mutation), it’s possible you may need to be regularly screened for stomach cancer.
Your doctor may recommend one or more different testing options if you’re at a higher risk or have symptoms:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- X-rays of the stomach and/or esophagus
- Upper endoscopy with biopsy
- Biomarker testing (tumor markers)
How do you prevent stomach cancer?
While it’s difficult to determine if stomach cancer can be completely prevented or avoided, making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help lower your risk.
Here are some factors that can help reduce the risk.
Quitting smoking
Quitting smoking is difficult, but doing so will greatly reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer – in addition to several other types of cancer. Tobacco use is most linked to cancer, but other forms of smoking such vaping and e-cigarettes may also increase your risk of cancer.
If you need help quitting, ask your doctor about cessation programs.
Eat a more balanced diet
Salty foods and smoked foods are two main dietary contributors to stomach cancer. Changing your diet to include more fruits, vegetables and non-processed foods will help reduce your risk of developing not only cancer, but other health problems as well.
If you have received a stomach cancer diagnosis, the team at the OSUCCC – James is here to help. Call The James line toll free at 800-293-5066 to schedule an appointment.
Related resources
Stomach Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Cancer and Food: Five Herbs That Could Reduce Risk
How Gut Health Can Affect Cancer Risk and Treatment