Stomach cancer cases fall, says Cancer Research UK

The number of stomach cancer cases in the UK has almost halved over the last three decades, according to new data.

Figures from Cancer Research UK show that there were 14,000 cases of stomach cancer in 1975, a number that fell to 7,485 in 2006.

The number of cases involving women has more than halved, while male cases have nearly halved, a trend which Cancer Research says is down to lifestyles becoming healthier.

Infection, smoking and poor diet are three key risk factors for stomach cancer. Smoking is known to double the risk of developing the disease.

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK director of cancer information, said: “Stomach cancer is largely preventable. Healthier living conditions, fewer infections, better diets and lower smoking rates mean fewer people are developing the disease.”

A common stomach bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the major cause of stomach cancer, the charity said.

Stomach cancer is the seventh most common cause of cancer death, with more than 5,200 people dying from it every year.