A common bacterium found in many people’s stomachs has been found to be the biggest culprit in cancer cases worldwide, according to a report by the American Association for Cancer Research.
Helicobacter pylorior H. pyloriwas responsible for around 810,000 cancer cases in 2018, surpassing even known viruses like 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 tissue (MALT) lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma, according to Health.
It can lead to precancerous changes in the lining of the stomach
Dr. Linda Cummings, a gastroenterologist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, says that chronic inflammation caused by H. pylori can lead to precancerous changes in the stomach lining. People infected with H. pylori have a two to six times greater risk of gastric cancer.
However, experts point out that only 1% to 3% of infected people will develop cancer.
Symptoms of an infection with H. pylori can include vomiting, weight loss, trouble swallowing, and severe heartburn, although many infections can be asymptomatic.
Source: www.descopera.ro
