What are the causes?

The exact causes of cancer of the stomach are still unknown. Over the past 30 years the number of people who develop stomach cancer has fallen, especially in Western countries. Although the reason for this is unknown, it is thought to be related to changes in our diet, particularly the use of refrigeration which has meant that people eat more fresh food and less smoked and pickled food.

Cancer of the stomach is more common in men, particularly in their 60’s and 70’s. It is also more common in people who have a condition known as pernicious anaemia, which affects the lining of the stomach and results in a lack of vitamin B12.

People who have a stomach disorder called atrophic gastritis, or an infection of the stomach called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori), have a higher chance of developing stomach cancer. A small number of people who have a hereditary condition in which they have small growths (polyps) in their stomach, are also more at risk of developing stomach cancer.