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Risks Factors for Stomach Cancer
Understanding the risk factors for stomach cancer is crucial for prevention and early detection. While some risk factors are unavoidable, such as genetics and age, others can be managed through lifestyle changes.
Genetic Factors
- Family History: Having a close relative with stomach cancer increases your risk.
- Genetic Mutations: Certain inherited genetic mutations, such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), increase the risk.
- Blood Type A: Individuals with blood type A may have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
- Diet: High intake of smoked, salted, or pickled foods and low consumption of fruits and vegetables can increase the risk.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking doubles the risk of stomach cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use is associated with an increased risk.
Medical Conditions
- Helicobacter pylori Infection: Chronic infection with H. pylori bacteria is a significant risk factor.
- Chronic Gastritis: Long-term inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to cancer.
- Pernicious Anemia: A condition that affects the stomach’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.
- Stomach Polyps: Certain types of stomach polyps can increase the risk of cancer.
- Epstein-Barr Virus: Infection with this virus has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
