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Stomach Cancer - Causes and Risk Factors

What causes stomach cancer?

While the exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, several factors have been found to play a role in its development. These risk factors include: 
  • A chronic infection by a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori 
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease 
  • A diet high in salted or preserved (cured/smoked/pickled) food 
  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables 
  • Smoking and alcohol 
  • Family history of stomach cancer 
  • Hereditary syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome 
  • Medical conditions that may contribute to stomach cancer such as: 
    • Anaemia (megaloblastic anaemia and pernicious anaemia) 
    • Previous stomach surgeries with partial removal of the stomach (gastrectomy) 
    • A stomach disorder called atrophic gastritis, which results in a lower-than-normal production of digestive juices 
    • Stomach polyps 
These risk factors are more commonly seen in people who have stomach cancer. Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will develop stomach cancer. Stomach cancer may still develop in patients with none of the above risk factors.


Screening for stomach cancer

Tests are sometimes used to screen for stomach cancer in people who do not have symptoms. Individuals at higher risk for stomach cancer may be recommended to undergo screening for stomach cancer. They are the same tests used to diagnose stomach cancer (see below).

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

Our Care Team

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June Lee Clin Asst Prof

Clin Asst Prof June Lee

Senior Consultant

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS(Edin), M.Med (Surg), FRCSEd (General Surgery)

Andrew Wong Siang Yih Assoc Prof

Assoc Prof Andrew Wong Siang Yih

Senior Consultant

MBBS (S’pore), FRCS(Edin), FAMS

Annalisa Ng Ya-Lyn  Clin Asst Prof

Clin Asst Prof Annalisa Ng Ya-Lyn

Senior Consultant

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS(Edin), M.Med (Surg), FRCSEd (General Surgery)

Ching Siok Siong Clin Asst Prof

Clin Asst Prof Ching Siok Siong

Consultant

MB BCh BAO BMedSc (Ireland), MRCS (Ireland), MD (Leeds), MMed (Surgery) (Singapore), FRCS (Gen Surg) (Edinburgh)

Lin Jinlin Clin Asst Prof

Clin Asst Prof Lin Jinlin

Consultant

FRCSEd (General Surgery), MMed (Surgery), MRCS (Edinburgh), MBBS (Singapore)

Ong Sin Jen Clin Asst Prof

Clin Asst Prof Ong Sin Jen

Senior Consultant

MBBS, MMed (Int Med), MRCP

Clinical Interests: Colorectal, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary, Upper Gastrointestinal, Neuro-Oncology

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