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Can Treating Helicobacter pylori Help Prevent Stomach Cancer?

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Screening and eradication of Helicobacter pylori for gastric cancer prevention Taipei Global Consensus II DOI- 10.1136gutjnl-2025-336027

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacteria that lives in the stomach. It often causes no symptoms but can lead to ulcers and, in some cases, stomach cancer. A group of international experts has now agreed on the best ways to find and treat this infection.

The experts say that removing H. pylori from the body reduces the risk of stomach cancer at all ages, especially if done before damage starts in the stomach lining. Treatment also helps ulcers heal and lowers the risk of ulcers from painkillers like aspirin or NSAIDs.

H. pylori spreads mainly between family members. That means testing and treating whole families can help stop it from coming back or spreading.

The best tests to check for H. pylori are:
⦿ The 13C-urea breath test
⦿
Stool antigen test
⦿
Blood tests are okay if followed by a second test to confirm

If the infection is found, doctors recommend strong treatment—often a mix of four medicines (called bismuth quadruple therapy)—especially in places where H. pylori is hard to treat with regular antibiotics. After treatment, it’s important to test again to make sure the bacteria is gone.

The group also said that screening should focus on high-risk people and could be part of regular health programs to make it easier for patients.

Getting rid of H. pylori does not raise the risk of acid reflux cancer. But more research is needed on long-term effects and the impact of antibiotic use.

There’s no vaccine yet, but scientists are working on it. In the meantime, testing and treating H. pylori is one of the best ways to help prevent stomach cancer.

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Dr. Harsh J Shah

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Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in India
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