A startling new study has revealed that a common stomach bacteria could be responsible for nearly 12 million cancer cases among people born within a single decade. The bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is already known to be a major cause of ulcers and chronic inflammation, but this new analysis, published in Nature Medicine, ties it directly to 76% of projected stomach cancer cases in those born between 2008 and 2017. Researchers estimate that 15.6 million people from this cohort will develop stomach cancer in their lifetimes, and H. pylori will be responsible for the majority of those diagnoses. Experts are calling for urgent global action to detect and eliminate this bacterial threat before it’s too late.
Cancer risks tied to H. pylori infection often go unnoticed in early years
H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that typically infects the stomach lining in childhood. While most people show no symptoms, it can cause long-term damage by leading to ulcers, inflammation, and, ultimately, cancer in some individuals. The bacteria is primarily transmitted through oral contact—such as kissing—or through exposure to contaminated vomit or stool. Despite its global presence, it often goes undiagnosed for years. Chronic infections allow the bacteria to silently alter the stomach environment, increasing cancer risk over time.
Cancer burden expected to rise, especially in Asia and Africa
The study, led by researchers at the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), analyzed global data from 185 countries. Their projections indicate that up to 11.9 million stomach cancer cases caused by H. pylori could be diagnosed by the year 2101, which is when the youngest individuals in the studied group turn 84. Asia will see the greatest burden with around 8 million cases, while Europe is expected to see nearly half a million. Alarmingly, sub-Saharan Africa—currently with relatively low incidence—may see a sixfold increase due to aging populations and demographic shifts.
Early detection could prevent up to 75% of cases
Although stomach cancer is difficult to treat in its later stages, it is largely preventable. Researchers urge governments to implement screening and treatment programs for H. pylori infections, especially in high-risk regions. Early detection and simple antibiotic regimens could dramatically reduce the future cancer burden. The study estimates that prevention efforts could avert up to three-quarters of projected cases. As Dr. Jin Young Park, one of the study’s authors, emphasized: “It is essential that health authorities make gastric cancer prevention a priority and accelerate efforts to control it.”
