A new global study has warned that more than 15 million people worldwide, born between 2008 and 2017, could develop gastric cancer at some point in their lives. According to the PTI report, India is likely to contribute the second highest number of these cases, after China.
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, shows that around two-thirds of these projected cases will be in Asia, followed by the Americas and Africa.
Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), analysed cancer data from 185 countries using the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. They combined this with death rate estimates from the United Nations.
"Globally, 15.6 million lifetime gastric cancer cases are expected within these birth cohorts, 76% of which are linked to Helicobacter pylori," the study said, as quoted by PTI.
What Causes Gastric Cancer?
The main cause is believed to be a long-term infection from Helicobacter pylori, a common bacteria found in the stomach. The bacteria is known to cause inflammation that may lead to stomach ulcers and cancer. Gastric cancer is currently the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world.
The study projected that 10.6 million of the total future cases will happen in Asia, with India and China together accounting for 6.5 million. If no action is taken, India alone may see around 16.5 lakh (1.65 million) new cases of gastric cancer.
Can It Be Prevented?
Yes. The study said screening and treating Helicobacter pylori infections can significantly reduce cases. If proper steps are taken, up to 75% of future gastric cancer cases could be prevented.
The researchers added that rising cases in young people and a growing elderly population might reverse the recent progress made in reducing stomach cancer cases globally.
Concern for Africa Too
Although sub-Saharan Africa currently has a lower number of gastric cancer cases, the report warned that the region could see a sixfold rise in the future if preventive measures are not introduced.
The authors called for more investment in population-level prevention, including early testing, public awareness, and access to treatment for infections that cause cancer.
Inputs from PTI
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, shows that around two-thirds of these projected cases will be in Asia, followed by the Americas and Africa.
Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), analysed cancer data from 185 countries using the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. They combined this with death rate estimates from the United Nations.
"Globally, 15.6 million lifetime gastric cancer cases are expected within these birth cohorts, 76% of which are linked to Helicobacter pylori," the study said, as quoted by PTI.
What Causes Gastric Cancer?
The main cause is believed to be a long-term infection from Helicobacter pylori, a common bacteria found in the stomach. The bacteria is known to cause inflammation that may lead to stomach ulcers and cancer. Gastric cancer is currently the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world.
The study projected that 10.6 million of the total future cases will happen in Asia, with India and China together accounting for 6.5 million. If no action is taken, India alone may see around 16.5 lakh (1.65 million) new cases of gastric cancer.
Can It Be Prevented?
Yes. The study said screening and treating Helicobacter pylori infections can significantly reduce cases. If proper steps are taken, up to 75% of future gastric cancer cases could be prevented.
The researchers added that rising cases in young people and a growing elderly population might reverse the recent progress made in reducing stomach cancer cases globally.
Concern for Africa Too
Although sub-Saharan Africa currently has a lower number of gastric cancer cases, the report warned that the region could see a sixfold rise in the future if preventive measures are not introduced.
The authors called for more investment in population-level prevention, including early testing, public awareness, and access to treatment for infections that cause cancer.
Inputs from PTI
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