Stomach cancer is caused by certain changes to the way stomach cells function, especially how they grow and divide into new cells. There are many risk factors for stomach cancer, but many do not directly cause cancer. Instead, they increase the chance of DNA damage in cells that may lead to stomach cancer. To learn more about how cancer develops, see What Is Cancer?.
A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors for stomach cancer, like tobacco use, can be changed. However, risk factors also include things people cannot change, like their age and family history. Learning about risk factors for stomach cancer is important because it can help you make choices that might prevent or lower your risk of getting it.
Risk factors for stomach cancer include
1 Diet
Eating a diet that is low in fruits and vegetables or that is high in salted, smoked, or poorly preserved foods may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
2 Tobacco use
People who smoke have a higher risk of stomach cancer than nonsmokers. Smoking also makes treatment for H. pylori infection less effective. Smokers who stop smoking lower their risk of having stomach cancer over time. Learn about different tools to help you quit smoking and how to use them.
3 Environmental and occupational exposures
The risk of stomach cancer is increased in people who
work in the rubber or coal industry
have been exposed to very high levels of radiation
Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get stomach cancer. Many people with risk factors never develop stomach cancer, whereas others with no known risk factors do. Talk with your doctor if you think you might be at increased risk.
4 A diet high in fatty, salty, smoked or pickled foods
