oh bacteria common, present in the stomach of many people, has been found to be the main culprit for cases of cancer worldwide, according to a report by the American Association for Cancer Research.
Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, was responsible for approximately 810,000 cancer cases in 2018, surpassing even known viruses such as HPV.
Researchers have found that between 30% and 40% of Americans carry this bacteria at some point in their lives. H. pylori can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers, and over time can lead to the development of two types of cancer: mucosa-associated lymphoid (MALT) lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma, according to Health.
Dr. Linda Cummings, a gastroenterologist at the University Hospitals of Cleveland Medical Center, says that chronic inflammation caused by H. pylori can lead to precancerous changes in the lining of the stomach. People infected with H. pylori are two to six times more likely to develop stomach cancer.
However, experts say that only 1% to 3% of people with the disease will get cancer.
Symptoms of H. pylori infection may include vomiting, weight loss, trouble swallowing, and severe heartburn, although many infections may be asymptomatic.
2024-09-26 20:23:45
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