Who is more likely to get stomach cancer
Anyone can get stomach cancer. It's not always clear what causes it.
You might be more likely to get it if you:
- are over the age of 50
- are a man
- have a long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – read more about the link between H. pylori and stomach cancer on the Cancer Research UK website
- have certain stomach conditions, such as long-term, severe acid reflux, gastritis or a condition called pernicious anaemia, which affects your immune system
- have a brother, sister or parent who had stomach cancer
Many stomach cancers are also linked to lifestyle.
How to reduce your risk of getting stomach cancer
Do
-
try to quit smoking
-
try to lose weight if you are overweight
-
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
-
cut down on how much salt you eat
-
try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
-
try to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
Important
It's important to get any symptoms of stomach cancer checked by a GP.
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.
Page last reviewed: 14 February 2023
Next review due: 14 February 2026