While H. pylori can increase an individual’s risk of developing stomach cancer, Cancer Research UK says the bacterial infection “will not cause any problems and it can be treated” for most people.
Other factors that can increase a person’s risk of stomach cancer are age, gender, the presence of some stomach conditions, and a family history of the disease.
Men over the age of 50 are most at risk in this regard while long-term acid reflux, gastritis and pernicious anaemia, a condition that affects the immune system, all increase a person’s risk of cancer.
Although this sounds unnerving, just because a person has these conditions does not mean they will get cancer with lifestyle habits such as how much or if a person smokes, how much they exercise and their diet affecting the risk.
