A recent global study has raised an alarming concern that more than 15 million people born between 2008 and 2017 could develop gastric cancer during their lifetime, with India expected to report the second-highest number of cases, after China. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, states that nearly two-thirds of these future cases will be concentrated in Asia, followed by the Americas and Africa.
Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) analysed data from 185 countries using the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, along with population and death rate estimates from UN demographic data.
The study estimates that 15.6 million people worldwide in this age group could develop gastric cancer in their lifetime. Of these, 76 per cent of cases are linked to a common stomach bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
“This bacterial infection is the main cause of gastric cancer,” the authors said. “It leads to long-term inflammation in the stomach, which increases cancer risk if left untreated.”
Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. It is often called a “silent killer” because symptoms may be vague or appear only in advanced stages.
Common symptoms of gastric cancer:
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain, especially after meals
- Fatigue or weakness
- In some cases, blood in stool or vomit
“Early symptoms are often mistaken for regular digestive issues,” experts warn. “That’s why early screening, especially in high-risk countries, is critical.”
India and Asia at high risk
The study projects Asia will see 10.6 million new gastric cancer cases, with India and China alone contributing 6.5 million. In India, the number could rise to 1.65 million cases if no action is taken.
Researchers also caution that sub-Saharan Africa, though currently low-risk, could see a sixfold increase in gastric cancer cases in the future.
Prevention is key
The authors strongly urge countries to invest in screening and treating H. pylori to reduce future cases. They note that up to 75 per cent of cases could be prevented if treatment is done early.
“With growing risks among young people and ageing populations, ignoring this issue could reverse the progress made in fighting gastric cancer,” the researchers warn.
(With inputs from PTI)
