Nearly 12 million cancers may result from a symptom‑free infection with a bacterium found in over half the global population.
A new study reveals that Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial species commonly found in the stomach and often symptom-free, could lead to almost 12 million cases of stomach cancer among those born between 2008 and 2017. Researchers estimate that over 76 percent of gastric cancers in this group may stem from chronic infection with the bacterium.
Infections typically occur during childhood and remain latent for years, sometimes causing ulcers or inflammation. Since gastric cancer often goes undetected until advanced stages, early screening becomes vital. Modelling suggests that if current trends continue, infections could cause nearly 11.9 million stomach cancers globally by 2101, with Asia accounting for approximately 8 million cases and Europe an estimated 471,000.
Dr Jin-Young Park, lead author, stressed: “It is essential that stomach-cancer prevention becomes a priority for health systems.” The study calls for urgent investments in screening and rapid eradication programmes, strategies expected to prevent up to 75 percent of projected cases.