A new study published in Nature Medicine has raised alarm over the long-term cancer risks posed by Helicobacter pylori, a common but often symptomless stomach infection. Researchers estimate that among people born between 2008 and 2017, nearly 12 million cases of stomach cancer could be linked to this infection over their lifetimes. The findings have prompted urgent calls for widespread screening and early treatment, which could potentially prevent up to three-quarters of these cases.
What Is Helicobacter pylori?
H. pylori is one of the most prevalent bacterial infections globally, affecting more than half the world’s population at some point. While many infected individuals show no symptoms, the bacteria can quietly damage the stomach lining over time. In some cases, it leads to peptic ulcers, persistent abdominal pain, and more severe complications such as chronic atrophic gastritis—a condition marked by inflammation and thinning of the stomach lining. This disruption weakens the stomach’s natural defenses and increases the risk of gastric cancer, one of the deadliest and most common cancers worldwide.
Global Burden of Stomach Cancer
According to The Lancet, stomach cancer claims around 770,000 lives annually, ranking fifth among global cancer types. The World Health Organization’s cancer research agency projects that by the year 2101, 11.9 million people could be diagnosed with stomach cancer due to H. pylori infection, with Asia accounting for nearly eight million cases.
How the Infection Spreads
The bacteria typically infect individuals during childhood, often without any noticeable symptoms. Transmission occurs through contact with infected bodily fluids—such as saliva, vomit, or stool—and is exacerbated by poor hygiene and contaminated food or water. Despite its widespread impact, no vaccine currently exists to prevent H. pylori. Experts recommend preventive measures like frequent handwashing and avoiding shared utensils to reduce transmission risk.
Diagnosing Helicobacter pylori Infection
Diagnosis involves several methods, including blood tests, stool antigen tests, and endoscopic examinations. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to detect bacterial enzymes and assess stomach acid levels.
Treatment Options for H. pylori
Treatment usually includes antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, along with acid-reducing medications such as H-2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. Doctors may also prescribe mucosal protective agents to shield the stomach lining from further damage.
Why Early Detection Matters
The study’s authors emphasize that early detection and treatment could dramatically reduce the future burden of stomach cancer. As the global health community begins to recognize the scale of the threat, the message is clear: H. pylori may be silent, but its consequences are anything but.
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