Although excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco, and poor diet are considered common causes of cancer, there is also a smaller risk factor—the H. pylori bacterium. This bacterium lives in the inner lining of the stomach and can cause symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to ulcers; if left untreated, it can lead to stomach cancer in some people.
A research paper published in the medical journal The Lancet reported that 2.3 million cases of infection-related cancers were registered worldwide in 2024. Of these, about 760,000 cases were linked to the H. pylori bacterium. In India, 47,000 cases of H. pylori-induced cancer were also recorded.
How common is H. pylori?
Dr. Minu Walia, head of the Department of Medical Oncology at Max Hospital, told Aajtak.in that this bacterium is not rare. Although infection occurs constantly, it does not cause cancer in every case. Many people contract this bacterium in childhood, and it can remain in the body for years without any symptoms.
Dr. Minu emphasized that having an H. pylori infection does not guarantee the development of cancer; only a small fraction of infected individuals eventually develop serious stomach diseases or cancer. The risk of cancer increases for those who have other risk factors and the bacterium remains in the body for a long time.
How does this bacterium cause cancer?
According to Dr. Minu, when the H. pylori bacterium remains in the stomach for a long time, it can lead to malignant cells. Initially, this causes chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, which results in feelings of bloating and heaviness in the abdomen. If this problem persists for years, chemicals that damage DNA are formed in the body. This gradually weakens the stomach cells, a condition known as atrophic gastritis. Subsequently, some patients may develop dysplasia, which can later transform into stomach cancer.
Can treating H. pylori prevent cancer?
Dr. Rohit Kapoor from the oncology department at Max Hospital noted that this bacterium can be relatively easily eliminated using antibiotics. He stressed that it is crucial for people to recognize symptoms and not delay treatment.
How does this bacterium enter the body?
Dr. Kapoor explained that the bacterium is usually found in contaminated water and substandard food. If a person drinks untreated water, the bacterium can enter their body. Furthermore, consuming poorly cooked food contributes to the bacterium entering the stomach. Also, if hands are not thoroughly washed after using the toilet, the bacterium can contaminate food or water through feces.
What symptoms indicate H. pylori infection?
Symptoms include abdominal pain or burning, bloating and heaviness in the abdomen, frequent belching, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.