The truth about whether H. pylori bacteria cause stomach cancer.

When discussing the causes of cancer, people often think of factors like genetics and lifestyle. But some pathogens can also lead to cancer.

Báo Thanh niên•21/10/2024

And surprisingly, the bacterium responsible for the highest number of cancer cases globally is Helicobacter pylori, commonly known as HP.

According to a report from the American Association for Cancer Research, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria is the leading cause of cancer cases globally, according to the health news website Health .

The truth about whether H. pylori bacteria cause stomach cancer - Image 1.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria are a causative agent of gastrointestinal infections affecting approximately half of the world's population.

Photo: Pexels

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health , Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria infect approximately half the world's population. H. pylori infection is the most serious risk factor for stomach cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death globally.

How does HP cause cancer?

It's a type of bacteria that many people get in their stomachs. It can cause ulcers in the stomach or small intestine and can also lead to gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining.

Over time, this condition can develop into a more serious disease, says Dr. Linda Cummings, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and a professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In people infected with H. pylori, this inflammation leads to precancerous changes in the stomach lining, which can eventually progress to cancer, Dr. Cummings shared, according to Health.

HP can increase the risk of two types of cancer: MALT lymphoma, a type of lymphoma that involves the connective tissue lining the stomach lining. This is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the stomach. And a type of stomach cancer called adenocarcinoma, which originates in the stomach lining. According to the American Cancer Society, 90-95% of all stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Dr. Cummings noted that H. pylori is the strongest risk factor for stomach cancer. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people infected with H. pylori have a 2 to 6 times higher risk of developing stomach cancer and MALT lymphoma compared to those who are not infected.

However, it's important to note that for most people, H. pylori infection doesn't necessarily lead to cancer. Of all those infected with H. pylori, only about 1-3% will develop cancer, Dr. Cummings said.

Why do people get H. pylori infection?

The truth about whether H. pylori bacteria cause stomach cancer - Image 2.

And surprisingly, the bacteria that causes the highest number of cancer cases globally is Helicobacter pylori (HP).

Photo: Pexels

Although the exact transmission of H. pylori is not fully understood, Dr. Cummings stated that the bacteria can spread through bodily fluids. She explained: "Because H. pylori can be found in feces, gastric juices, saliva, and dental plaque, it has the potential to spread through oral secretions during eating and drinking. It is especially easily transmitted between family members."

East Asia is one of the regions with the highest incidence of stomach cancer, and along with Central Asia, it has the highest mortality rate.

For this region, Dr. Cummings recommends comprehensive gastric cancer screening using endoscopy or X-rays starting around the age of 40-50.

Symptom

Dr. Cummings explains that some people infected with H. pylori have no symptoms at all, while others may experience abdominal discomfort after eating. Vomiting, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and severe heartburn are also signs of H. pylori infection.

Black, foul-smelling stools that occur more frequently could be due to bleeding ulcers caused by H. pylori, Dr. Cummings added.

Because H. pylori infection can be asymptomatic, testing is the only way to determine the presence of the bacteria.

Dr. Cummings suggests that anyone with signs or symptoms of H. pylori infection or who frequently suffers from stomach ulcers should get tested.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thuc-hu-viec-vi-khuan-hp-gay-ung-thu-da-day-185241016110106354.htm