Doctor Warns: To Avoid Stomach Cancer, Watch Out for These 4 Diseases and How to Care and Test Properly

Warning against "stomach cancer" you must be cautious of these 4 diseases with advice on care methods, emphasizing that early detection helps doctors plan precise treatment and follow-up.

On 28 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Dr. Jes Boonyawongwiroj, Deputy Director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, posted on his personal Facebook about "If you don't want to get stomach cancer, beware of these 4 diseases" He stated that many people have suffered from gastritis for years, taking medicine for stomach pain or antacids for bloating. When symptoms improve, they think the problem is over. But some stomach abnormalities can persist even with little to no symptoms.

Especially chronic inflammation caused by H. pylori bacteria, which can gradually change the stomach lining and increase future risk of stomach cancer. Today, we want to introduce four important conditions that increase stomach cancer risk compared to those without them, along with how to properly care for and test them.

1. Chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection: the unnoticed starting point for many.

Many think gastritis is caused only by irregular meals or spicy food, but there is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) that can live in the stomach for many years. This bacterium causes chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. Some experience stomach pain, bloating, nausea, but others are infected unknowingly.

Importantly, H. pylori is a major risk factor for stomach cancer, especially adenocarcinoma. Remember, sometimes the problem isn't yesterday's spicy food but bacteria residing in the stomach for years. Detecting and successfully eradicating this infection can reduce future stomach cancer risk.

2. Atrophic gastritis: chronic inflammation leading to tissue changes.

This condition, less known to many, is medically called Atrophic gastritis. It involves gradual loss of glands in the stomach lining due to prolonged chronic inflammation, mainly from H. pylori infection or, in some, autoimmune destruction of stomach cells. Some do not have obvious stomach pain.

But they may have iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency because the altered stomach lining affects acid production and nutrient absorption. Atrophic gastritis is associated with increased stomach cancer risk, especially when severe or involving multiple areas. Sometimes the first sign appears in blood tests rather than stomach symptoms.

3. Intestinal metaplasia of the stomach lining: a warning sign not to be ignored.

Imagine the normal stomach lining protects the stomach wall, but with ongoing chronic inflammation, some cells may change shape and features to resemble intestinal cells. This condition is called Gastric intestinal metaplasia. This change is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Especially in people with multiple affected areas, family history of stomach cancer, or other risk factors. Diagnosis usually requires endoscopy and biopsy. Early detection of cell changes helps tailor risk monitoring appropriately.

4. Dysplasia of stomach lining cells: a stage requiring serious follow-up.

This condition deserves special attention as it approaches cancer development. Dysplasia means stomach lining cells have abnormal shapes and arrangements compared to normal cells. Doctors assess biopsy results, classifying abnormalities as low or high grade, with varying cancer risks.

High-grade dysplasia needs careful evaluation because it may include early cancerous lesions. Some patients require detailed endoscopy to remove lesions or plan follow-up based on risk. This condition should not be ignored just because stomach pain is absent.

To avoid increasing stomach cancer risk, start care as follows. Knowing these four conditions, it's important to understand ways to reduce risk and detect abnormalities without waiting for severe symptoms.

• Test for H. pylori infection and treat if found, especially in those with indications like stomach ulcers or family history of stomach cancer. Currently, breath tests, stool tests, and some rapid test kits are available. After treatment, confirm eradication with appropriate methods.
• Be aware of stomach health test panels. Blood tests like Pepsinogen I/II can help assess risk of atrophic gastritis in some groups but do not confirm stomach cancer, and normal results do not exclude cancer. If high risk or abnormal results, doctors may recommend endoscopy with biopsy.
• Reduce very salty and preserved foods, such as those with high salt or smoked foods regularly, because excessive salt and certain food types are linked to increased stomach cancer risk.
• Quit smoking and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, as smoking is a modifiable risk factor for stomach cancer. Balanced diet and maintaining healthy weight are also fundamental for long-term health.
• If previously diagnosed with atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, or dysplasia, do not skip follow-ups since each condition carries different risk levels. Some require endoscopic surveillance, especially those with severe abnormalities or family history of stomach cancer.
• Watch for warning signs that should not be ignored, such as unintended weight loss, early fullness or reduced appetite, frequent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, black stools, or unexplained anemia. See a doctor to determine the cause. Vomiting blood or black stools accompanied by severe dizziness and weakness require immediate hospital care.

Another important note: if H. pylori infection is detected and eradication therapy is given, complete the full medication course. Improvement in stomach pain does not confirm infection clearance. Post-treatment confirmation testing is essential.

In summary, some types of stomach cancer are linked to chronic inflammation and changes in the stomach lining that may accumulate over years, from H. pylori infection to atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia.

These four conditions relate to increased stomach cancer risk. Early detection allows doctors to plan precise treatment or monitoring. Remember, stomach care is not just about relieving pain but also understanding causes and identifying abnormalities needing follow-up. Often, the key is managing risk today rather than waiting for severe symptoms.

Thanks to Facebook page Doctor Jed