Causes
The exact cause of stomach cancer is still unclear. Most causes are believed to result from exposure to carcinogens (various cancer-causing agents), especially nitrates - substances found in prepared foods (especially meats) that are dried, smoked, salted, or pickled.
Various medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. These include:
- Gastritis
- Pernicious anemia
- Gastric polyps
- Chronic gastric ulcer
- Family history of gastric cancer
- History of gastric surgery for non-cancerous diseases, such as a peptic ulcer
- Blood group A
- Pre-malignant conditions, such as intestinal metaplasia
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