- Infection with a common bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is linked to a significant number of global stomach cancer cases.
- Experts project that 11.9 million of the 15.6 million stomach cancer diagnoses expected in people born between 2008 and 2017 will be directly caused by H. pylori infection.
- The majority of these projected cases, 10.6 million, are anticipated in Asia, with millions more in the Americas, Africa, and Europe.
- Scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer advocate for widespread "screen and treat" programmes for H. pylori, which could reduce stomach cancer cases by up to 75 per cent.
- In contrast, Cancer Research UK notes that stomach cancer rates in the UK are falling and H. pylori infection is less common, with other lifestyle factors being more significant for cancer prevention.
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