Stomach Cancer Risk Factors  

In some cases of stomach cancer, the causative factor of the disease is not identified; the cancer just occurs. Sometimes, however, some factors are known. Common risk factors that are often involved in the development of stomach cancer are: 

• Diet - consumption of a diet high in starch, salt and smoked meats, low in protein, fruits and vegetables; 
• Aflatoxin fungus - consummation of food contaminated with aflatoxins; 
• Surgery - history of surgery to remove gastric or duodenal ulcers; 
• Environment - living in a disadvantaged socio-economic group or environment puts you at high risk of becoming a victim of stomach cancer; 
• Gastric ulcer - although it is controversial, some scientists believe that gastric ulcers can lead to the development of gastric cancer; 
• Helicobacter pylori - Infection by helicobacter pylori is recognized as favoring gastric cancer. In addition, this bacterium is responsible for a certain percentage of gastric ulcers;  
• Tobacco - there is no scientific evidence showing that tobacco and alcohol play a role in the development of stomach cancer; however, since tobacco is highly carcinogenic, some researchers believe it may contribute in the development of the disease. 
• Age - stomach cancer is diagnosed mostly in older people.  
• Family history - if you have a family history of stomach cancer, you are at higher risk.  
• Sex - men are more victims of stomach cancer than women are. 
• Geography - cancer of the stomach is more common in Southeast Asia (Japan) and Central Europe.  
• Diseases - Some rare diseases are considered as causative factors of stomach cancer: pernicious anemia (also called Biermer's anemia, Addison's anemia or Addison–Biermer anemia), Menetrier's disease (also called hyperplastic hypersecretory gastropathy) and gastric adenomas (pre-malignant condition in the stomach). 
• Some professions – certain professions increase your risk become a victim of stomach cancer: 

1)    coal mining 

2)    nickel refining 

3)    manufacturing products containing lead 

4)    rubber and timber processing 

5)    exposure to asbestos

Causes                                                    Types