At this point in time, doctors aren't entirely sure what causes stomach cancer, although certain risk factors and concerns have been discovered through extensive scientific research. For example, there is some correlation between diets that involve salted, smoked, and pickled foods and the incidence of stomach cancer. What's more, as the use of refrigeration for the preservation of food substances around the world has increased, it has been found that stomach cancer rates have declined.

One way to consider what causes stomach cancer, is to think about the fact that generally, cancer begins when an error or mutation takes place within the DNA of a cell. For example, the mutation of this cell causes it to divide and grow at a rapid rate, and continue living whereas the typical cell would  have already died. These accumulating cells then form a tumor that can reach into nearby structures.

The Types Of Stomach Cancer

Before you can truly understand what causes stomach cancer, or the risks that are associated with it, it's important to note that there are different types of stomach cancer. For example, the cells that form the tumor within your stomach responsible for stomach cancer help to determine treatment options that may be available to you, and the type of cancer you are diagnosed to have. For instance, the most common form of stomach cancer is known as adenocarcinoma, a cancer that begins within the glandular cells of the stomach. These cells line the inside of the stomach, and secrete protective mucus in an effort to shield the lining of the stomach from acidic juices within the digestive system.

Another type of stomach cancer is called lymphoma, and it begins within the immune system cells. The walls of your stomach, just like many other locations throughout your body, contain a small number of cells from your immune system, that can develop into cancer. However, it's worth noting that developing this kind of cancer in your stomach is incredibly rare. Similarly, carcinoid cancer that begins in the hormone producing cells of the stomach is highly rare.

What Causes Stomach Cancer

At this point, regardless of what kind of stomach cancer a person is diagnosed with, it is highly difficult to determine what has contributed to the development of the disease. Today, the most that doctors can achieve is a better understanding of the factors that may increase the risk of stomach cancer in certain people. For example, a family history of stomach cancer can sometimes mean that you will be more likely to develop such a tumor at some point during your life. At the same time, a diet that is low in vegetables and fruits, and high in smoked and salty foods has been connected to stomach cancer in some instances.

Other risk factors that may increase your chances of suffering from stomach cancer can include eating foods that have been contaminated with aflatoxin fungus, being exposed to an infection by Helicobacter pylori, suffering from extended or long-term inflammation of the stomach, regular smoking, and stomach polyps. Another risk factor associated with stomach cancer is pernicious anemia.