Causes of stomach cancer

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Read about who is more likely to get stomach cancer and lifestyle changes that can help prevent it.

It's not always clear what causes stomach cancer. You may be more likely to get it if you have certain stomach conditions, or a family history of it.

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<p>Anyone can get stomach cancer. It's not always clear what causes it.</p><p>You might be more likely to get it if you:</p><ul><li>are over the age of 50</li><li>are a man</li><li>have a history of infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)</li><li>have certain stomach conditions, such as long-term, severe <a href="https://api.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/">acid reflux</a>, <a href="https://api.nhs.uk/conditions/gastritis/">gastritis</a> or a condition called pernicious anaemia, which affects your immune system</li><li>have a brother, sister or parent who’s had stomach cancer</li></ul><p>Many stomach cancers are also linked to lifestyle.</p>

Who is more likely to get stomach cancer

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<p>You can <a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/infections-eg-hpv-and-cancer/does-hpylori-cause-cancer">read more about the link between H. pylori and stomach cancer on the Cancer Research UK website</a>.</p>

Things you can do to reduce your risk of stomach cancer include quitting smoking, losing weight, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy diet.

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<path d="M11.4 18.8a2 2 0 0 1-2.7.1h-.1L4 14.1a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 2.1-2L10 16l8.1-8.1a1.5 1.5 0 1 1 2.2 2l-8.9 9Z"></path>
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<p>try to <a target='_blank' href="https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/">quit smoking</a></p>
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<p>try to <a target='_blank' href="https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/">lose weight</a> if you are overweight</p>
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<path d="M11.4 18.8a2 2 0 0 1-2.7.1h-.1L4 14.1a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 2.1-2L10 16l8.1-8.1a1.5 1.5 0 1 1 2.2 2l-8.9 9Z"></path>
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<p>cut down on how much salt you eat</p>
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<path d="M11.4 18.8a2 2 0 0 1-2.7.1h-.1L4 14.1a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 2.1-2L10 16l8.1-8.1a1.5 1.5 0 1 1 2.2 2l-8.9 9Z"></path>
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<p>try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week</p>
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<path d="M11.4 18.8a2 2 0 0 1-2.7.1h-.1L4 14.1a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 2.1-2L10 16l8.1-8.1a1.5 1.5 0 1 1 2.2 2l-8.9 9Z"></path>
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<p>try to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day</p>
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<path d="M11.4 18.8a2 2 0 0 1-2.7.1h-.1L4 14.1a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 2.1-2L10 16l8.1-8.1a1.5 1.5 0 1 1 2.2 2l-8.9 9Z"></path>
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<p>wear protective clothes and masks if you work in a job where you're exposed to harmful chemicals, such as in the rubber industry or coal mining</p>
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How to reduce your risk of getting stomach cancer

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        Important
      
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<p>It's important to get any <a href="https://api.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms/">symptoms of stomach cancer</a> checked by a GP.</p><p>Even if you do not think you fit into any of the groups with a higher chance of getting it. Anyone can get stomach cancer.</p>
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      Page last reviewed: 20 August 2026
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      Next review due: 20 August 2029
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