Over 15 million people born between 2008 and 2017 could be at risk of gastric cancer, warns study

By Admin

08 Jul, 2025

A recent alarming study published in Nature Medicine has projected that more than 15 million people born between 2008 and 2017 could be at lifetime risk of developing gastric cancer, with India contributing the second-highest number of potential cases after China. This stark warning has caught global attention, highlighting a pressing public health concern.

Global Insights from the Study

Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), analysed comprehensive data from 185 countries using the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, along with projected death rates from United Nations demographic data. The results offer a sobering forecast:

• An estimated 15.6 million lifetime cases of gastric cancer are expected in this young cohort.
  
  

• Nearly 76% of these cases are attributable to Helicobacter pylori a common but persistent bacterial infection in the stomach.
  
  

The research also revealed that Asia will bear the heaviest burden, with two-thirds of the cases likely to occur in the region. Within Asia, India and China alone could see approximately 6.5 million cases, with India's projected burden estimated at 1,657,670 cases if no new preventive strategies are adopted.

What is Helicobacter pylori and Why Does it Matter?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is often acquired during childhood. While many infected individuals may remain asymptomatic, chronic infection can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and ultimately, gastric (stomach) cancer     which is currently the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.

Call to Action: Prevention Through Screening and Treatment

The study's authors strongly advocate for urgent public health investments in gastric cancer prevention, especially in countries with growing young populations and limited access to medical screening. Screening for H. pylori infection and providing timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cancer development. In fact, the study suggests that implementing such measures could reduce gastric cancer cases by up to 75%.

Future Trends and Concerns

Another concerning aspect of the study is the predicted rise in gastric cancer cases in sub-Saharan Africa, where the current burden is relatively low. If preventive actions aren't taken, this region could see a six-fold increase in cases compared to 2022.

In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies     including awareness, screening, early diagnosis, and affordable treatment     to curb the future global burden of gastric cancer. As the younger generation ages, the world must act now to prevent millions of avoidable cancer cases.