Stomach cancer is the third most common tumor and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. However, in developed countries, in contrast to colon cancer, its frequency has decreased. This seems to be due to improved living conditions, food preservation, and increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and vitamins.
In any case, stomach cancer is a very important problem for which every effort should be made to prevent it, diagnose it early, and treat it in the most appropriate way.
There are some situations associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer such as chronic atrophic gastritis, previous gastric surgery (when part of the stomach has been removed), having a first-degree relative who has suffered from it or infection by Helicobacter pylori.
Thus, people with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings or children) affected by gastric cancer are two to three times more likely to suffer from this tumor. In all the above cases it is recommended to look for Helicobacter pylori infection and treat it (when present). This reduces the risk of developing this type of cancer.
Only in selected cases and in populations with a high frequency of gastric cancer (as is the case in Japan) is it advisable to perform periodic gastroscopies for early detection of the tumor.