Stomach cancer awareness isn’t just about one disease, it’s about recognizing how interconnected the body is and how prevention in one area can protect many others.
Stomach cancer is often overshadowed by more widely discussed cancers, yet it remains a serious disease that affects thousands of people each year. While overall rates of stomach cancer have declined over time, awareness remains critical. This disease is often diagnosed late and shares key risk factors with other cancers, including lung cancer.
“Overall, rates of stomach cancer have declined over time, reflecting progress in prevention and awareness,” says Pramil Singh, DrPH, director of the Transdisciplinary Tobacco Research Program at Loma Linda University Cancer Center. “However, a recent rise in early-onset stomach cancer among adults under 50 years old remains a concern.”
Why stomach cancer is often missed
One of the greatest challenges with stomach cancer is that early symptoms are often vague or mistaken for common digestive issues. Persistent indigestion, bloating, nausea, stomach pain, or unexplained weight loss may be early warning signs, but many people delay seeking care until symptoms become severe.
As a result, stomach cancer is frequently diagnosed at later stages, when treatment options may be more limited. This makes awareness both among patients and healthcare providers especially important.
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer, but fewer people realize it also increases the risk of stomach cancer.
“Smoking exposes the body to carcinogens that don’t stop at the lungs,” Singh explains. “Those same toxins can damage the stomach lining over time, increasing the risk of stomach cancer as well.”
Research has shown that people who smoke are significantly more likely to develop stomach cancer than non-smokers.
Who is at higher risk?
In addition to smoking, several factors can increase the risk of stomach cancer, including:
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Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common stomach bacterium
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Diets high in salted, smoked, or processed foods
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A family history of stomach cancer
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Certain hereditary symptoms
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Obesity
Stomach cancer disproportionately affects some racial and ethnic communities, as well as people with limited access to preventive healthcare.
Prevention and early action
While not all cases of stomach cancer can be prevented, Singh says many risk factors are within a person’s control. He notes that the recent rise in early-onset stomach cancer has been linked to lifestyle trends such as increased sedentary behavior, higher obesity rates, and greater consumption of processed foods.
Quitting smoking remains one of the most effective ways to lower cancer risk across multiple organs, including the stomach and lungs. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting processed foods, and seeking treatment for chronic stomach infections can also help reduce risk.
“Awareness leads to action,” Singh says. “When people understand their risk factors and pay attention to persistent symptoms, they’re more likely to seek care early — and that can make a real difference.”
Why awareness matters
Even as stomach cancer rates decline overall, Singh stresses that education and prevention efforts must continue. Understanding how lifestyle factors like smoking connect multiple cancers, including stomach and lung cancer, empowers people to make informed decisions about their health.
Stomach cancer awareness isn’t just about one disease, it’s about recognizing how interconnected the body is and how prevention in one area can protect many others.
If you smoke or have ongoing digestive symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider about your cancer risk. Quitting smoking and addressing persistent stomach issues early can help protect your long-term health.
The Transdisciplinary Tobacco Research Program builds on longstanding work at Loma Linda University Health focused on smoking cessation and cancer prevention. Drawing from data gathered through patient-centered programs, researchers are advancing efforts to better understand nicotine addiction and identify effective strategies to reduce cancer risk. This growing body of work helps inform research aimed at supporting tobacco users worldwide and ultimately reducing cancer-related deaths.
To learn more about cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options, visit Loma Linda University Cancer Center.
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