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Business Standard
14 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Stomach cancer: Study warns 1.6 million Indians born after 2008 at risk
lobal estimate links 76 per cent of projected lifetime cases to H. pylori and urges mass screening, with India expected to see over 1.6 million cases New Delhi Over 15.6 million people born between 2008 and 2017 may develop stomach cancer during their lifetime, most of them in Asia, and many in India, a new global estimate warns. According to researchers, 76 per cent of these future cases are linked to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common but treatable bacterial infection. The study projects that India alone could account for over 1.6 million cases if current control measures are not enhanced. These findings come from a new study titled Global lifetime estimates of expected and preventable gastric cancers across 185 countries, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Medicine. The researchers call for urgent investments in prevention, especially population-wide screening and treatment of H. pylori, to avert a major public health crisis. What does the study say? The study, conducted by scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), analysed data from the Global Cancer Observatory's GLOBOCAN 2022 database covering 185 countries. Using United Nations demographic projections, the researchers estimated how many people born between 2008 and 2017 might develop gastric cancer during their lifetimes. It found an estimated 15.6 million cases globally, with the vast majority—two-thirds of them—occurring in Asia. The Americas and Africa follow in projected numbers. China and India are expected to bear the brunt of the burden. Together, they could account for 6.5 million cases. India alone may see 1,657,670 lifetime cases if current preventive and treatment measures don't improve. Sub-Saharan Africa, while currently showing low rates, may experience a six-fold increase in future cases, raising alarms for healthcare systems in the region. What's causing so many cases of stomach cancer? According to the study, a common stomach bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) accounts for 76 per cent of all projected gastric cancer cases. Although H. pylori often causes no symptoms, long-term infection can lead to ulcers and, eventually, cancer. The bacteria is typically acquired in childhood and can persist for decades if untreated. The study highlighted that it is preventable and treatable with a simple course of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medication. Why is this concerning now? The study flags two worrying trends: Rising cases in younger populations, defying the earlier notion that gastric cancer is mostly a disease of older adults An ageing global population, which could increase the total number of cases even further, putting additional pressure on healthcare systems worldwide Can stomach cancer be prevented? The researchers said that up to 75 per cent of future cases could be prevented through timely action. Key strategies include: Countries like Japan and South Korea already have screening programmes in place and have seen success in reducing stomach cancer rates. What should individuals do to protect themselves? While national policies are essential, individuals can also take steps: Get tested for H. pylori if you have chronic digestive issues Maintain good hygiene, as the infection spreads through contaminated food, water, or saliva Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre, which has been shown to lower stomach cancer risks Limit salty and smoked foods, which are known risk factors 'While our study findings highlight the potential public health impact of H. pylori screen-and-treat approaches that are evidence-based, relatively simple and effective, and safe and inexpensive to implement—relative to cancer treatment—in mitigating the increasing gastric cancer burden, the importance of continued efforts to develop an H. pylori vaccine needs to be stressed,' the researchers said in the study. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
News18
a day ago
- Health
- News18
15 Million People Born Between 2008-2017 At Risk Of Gastric Cancer, India Among Worst-Hit
Last Updated: A study in Nature Medicine warned that over 15 million children born between 2008-2017 may develop gastric cancer due to Helicobacter pylori, with India and China hardest hit A major new study has issued a sobering warning for global public health; over 15.6 million people worldwide born between 2008 and 2017 may be diagnosed with gastric cancer during their lifetimes, and India could contribute the second-highest number of cases, following China. The alarming findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine and conducted by scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organisation's cancer research arm, suggest that two-thirds of all projected cases will be concentrated in Asia, followed by the Americas and Africa. Citing data from GLOBOCAN 2022 and mortality rates from UN demographic projections, researchers examined cancer incidence across 185 countries. Their calculations revealed a significant cancer burden on future generations, one that's largely preventable. 'Globally, 15.6 million lifetime gastric cancer cases are expected within these birth cohorts, 76 per cent of which are attributable to Helicobacter pylori (bacteria)," the authors noted, according to PTI. India Alone Could See Over 1.65 Crore Cases The report estimates that 10.6 million of the projected cases could arise in Asia, with India and China combined accounting for 6.5 million of them. Cases from India could be 1,657,670 with no changes in the current measures for controlling gastric cancer, it projected. 'Helicobacter pylori infection is the biggest risk factor," the study noted. The bacteria, which typically settles in the stomach, can persist undetected for years, triggering chronic inflammation, ulcers, and eventually, gastric cancer. This form of cancer already ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. What makes the findings more worrying is the age group affected. Those born between 2008 and 2017 are still in their teens or pre-teens, and the prospect of a life-threatening disease already looming over them is deeply concerning for families and policymakers alike. Prevention Could Avert 75% Of Future Cases Despite the grim projections, scientists say that timely intervention could change the future. The study finds that screening for and treating Helicobacter pylori infections could prevent up to 75% of future gastric cancer cases. 'These cases are eminently preventable, but only if nations invest in population-level screening and treatment," the authors emphasised. They also sounded the alarm on the growing incidence among the young and the aging population, a dual demographic shift that could reverse decades of progress in reducing gastric cancer deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa Could See 6-Fold Rise While regions like Sub-Saharan Africa currently report fewer gastric cancer cases, the study warns of a potential six-fold surge in the coming decades if preventive steps are not taken now. 'Gastric cancer is preventable, but only if there is political will and public investment in early intervention," the authors concluded, calling for urgent action globally. This new study builds upon prior warnings from global health authorities. Scientists have already projected that one in every five people will suffer from some form of cancer in their lifetime. This latest research underscores how gastric cancer in particular could become a ticking time bomb, especially in regions like India, where healthcare infrastructure and early screening still face major challenges.
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Simple Treatment Could Prevent 75% of Stomach Cancer Cases, Doctors Reveal
A new study published in Nature Medicine highlights a rising global trend of stomach cancer among people under 50, with most future cases linked to the preventable infection Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Chronic H pylori infection is the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer and can be treated using antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, projected that 15.6 million new cases of stomach cancer will occur globally among people born between 2008 and 2017 if current prevention strategies remain unchanged. Crucially, accordign to the study that published in the journal Nature Medicine, 76% of these cases-about three-quarters-are attributable to H pylori and are potentially preventable. Asia is expected to bear the highest burden with 10.6 million cases, followed by the Americas and Africa. The researchers used large-scale simulations incorporating data from GLOBOCAN 2022 and UN mortality projections to estimate lifetime cancer risk based on age, death likelihood, and demographic trends. A 100% effective screening and treatment program for H pylori could reduce stomach cancer cases by up to 75%. Even programs with 80-90% effectiveness would still prevent 60-68% of cases. These interventions are cost-effective and feasible even in low-income settings, comparable to HPV or hepatitis B vaccination campaigns. The study urges investment in population-level screen-and-treat programs and emphasizes the importance of developing an H. pylori vaccine. Despite limitations in data from low-income countries and assumptions about static infection rates, the findings strongly advocate for proactive, global public health measures to prevent a significant portion of future gastric cancers.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Study projects over 15 million people born during 2008-2017 could develop gastric cancer in life
Over 15 million people in the world born between 2008 and 2017 might develop gastric cancer at some point in life, with India contributing the second highest number among these cases, after China, a study has projected. Two-thirds of the more than 15 million projected cases could be concentrated in Asia, followed by the Americas and Africa. Researchers, including those from the International Agency for Research on Cancer — the World Health Organisation's cancer agency — analysed data on the incidence of gastric cancer across 185 countries using the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, along with death rates projected from United Nations demographic data. "Globally, 15.6 million lifetime gastric cancer cases are expected within these birth cohorts, 76 per cent of which are attributable to Helicobacter pylori (bacteria)," the authors said in the study published in the journal Nature Medicine. A persistent infection due to 'Helicobacter pylori' — a common bacteria found in the stomach — is said to be the main driver of gastric cancer, which ranks as the world's fifth leading cause of death from cancer. The authors called for more investment in preventing gastric cancer, especially through population-level screening and treating of the bacterial infection, known to be preventable through effective treatment. They added that increasing incidence among the young and an ageing population together threatens to reverse recent efforts in bringing down death rates and cases of gastric cancer. The study projected 10.6 million of new gastric cancer cases will occur in Asia, with 6.5 million cases expected in India and China alone. Cases from India could be 1,657,670 with no changes in the current measures for controlling gastric cancer, it projected. Further, sub-Saharan Africa — currently having a relatively low burden of gastric cancer — could see a future burden at least six times higher than 2022 estimates suggest, the authors said. However, if measures to control gastric cancer in the population are taken, such as screening for and treating bacterial infections, the authors found that expected cases of the disease could be brought down by up to 75 per cent.
Japan Forward
a day ago
- Health
- Japan Forward
ICNIM 2025: Global Health Experts Gather to Advance Functional Food Science
このページを 日本語 で読む Every year between summer and fall, Sapporo welcomes an international gathering focused on the science behind integrative medicine and functional foods (foods with functions that help maintain and improve health). Known as the International Congress on Nutrition and Integrative Medicine (ICNIM), it began as a research forum for a single product developed by local biotech firm Amino Up. Today, it has grown into a major global conference, drawing researchers from nearly 30 countries and regions. Advancing the Science of Gene Regulation In July 2024, the conference brought together approximately 370 researchers from 27 countries and regions. Each year, it features keynote lectures on timely and innovative topics, and in 2024, its highlight was the keynote speech delivered by Professor Toshikazu Ushijima. Dr Ushijima, the president of Hoshi University, titled his lecture "Cancer and Epigenetics." Epigenetics is the study of how gene activity is regulated without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. In his lecture, Professor Ushijima discussed how both epigenomic abnormalities and genetic mutations contribute to cancer development. He explained the correlation between DNA methylation abnormalities observed after Helicobacter pylori eradication and an increased risk of gastric cancer. Panelists speak during the public symposium "Living Better with Cancer," which was also streamed online. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) ICNIM2024 also included a public symposium titled "Living Better with Cancer," which drew about 300 participants, including online viewers. Physicians who work closely with cancer patients shared practical examples of how integrative medicine and functional foods are used in real-life care settings. It All Started with a Single Product Amino Up is a biotech company founded in 1984 in Hokkaido by Kenichi Kosuna. His original intention was to develop agricultural materials. He discovered that an extract cultured from mushroom mycelia promoted plant growth. That extract was commercialized as Amino Up, which later became the company's name. Kosuna then turned his attention to human health. He focused on the bioactive properties of sterile extracts from basidiomycetes produced during the extraction process. After about five years of development, the company launched the functional food product AHCCⓇ. At the time, the functional food market was still in its infancy and filled with both promising and questionable products. Some companies exploited patients' anxieties, selling unproven supplements at high prices or using misleading advertising. Advertisement Earning Trust To set his company apart, Kosuna believed trust must be earned through evidence. He partnered with leading academic institutions to collect scientific data, including the University of Tokyo, Teikyo University, and Hokkaido University. Researchers soon requested a platform for sharing information, leading to the formation of the AHCC Research Association in 1994. The first research meeting held the following year drew about 20 participants. Since then, the number of participants has grown steadily. In 2016, the group adopted its current name. Its annual meeting has since evolved into a major international event with hundreds of attendees. The meeting is supported by the Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Hokkaido Prefecture, and the City of Sapporo. An award system was also introduced to recognize outstanding presentations. Award ceremony at ICNIM2024. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Masuo Hosokawa, professor emeritus at Hokkaido University and ICNIM's founding chair, reflects: "Functional foods are gaining renewed recognition for their role in promoting health and preventing disease. What began as a small research group studying the effects and mechanisms of AHCC has grown into an international conference. It now explores a wide range of functional foods in the context of integrative medicine." Complementing Western Medicine "Modern Western medicine alone cannot fully relieve patient suffering. To improve quality of life, we need integrative medicine that includes complementary and alternative therapies," says Dr Toshinori Ito. He is the current ICNIM chair and director of the Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. Dr Toshinori Ito delivers remarks at ICNIM2024. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Dr Ito is a specialist in gastrointestinal surgery with particular expertise in pancreatic transplants. He has worked at the forefront of advanced medical care, performing simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants and autologous islet transplants. Even when organ function was restored, patients often continued to suffer from complications such as nerve damage or impaired circulation. Yet Western medicine often stopped there, leaving persistent pain unaddressed. As Japan's population ages, the burden of disease has also shifted from acute conditions to chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes. Western medicine, which primarily targets symptoms, has clear limitations. Dr Ito began exploring ways to combine complementary therapies, such as functional foods, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. He came to see the need for integrative medicine that views patients holistically rather than focusing only on the micro level. Advertisement Boosting Immunity Against HPV and COVID-19 Key and groundbreaking findings have come out of research on AHCC, a central focus of ICNIM. One example comes from Dr Judith Smith, a professor at the University of Texas Medical School. She specializes in pharmacological approaches to women's health and cancer. Dr Smith reported that continued AHCC intake eliminated persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) — the virus that causes cervical cancer. In most cases, the immune system clears HPV naturally. But when the virus persists, the risk of developing cervical cancer increases significantly. Globally, cervical cancer affects around 600,000 women each year and causes approximately 340,000 deaths. While vaccination can prevent infection, no treatment exists to eliminate HPV after infection. That contrasts with Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach ulcers. Dr Smith says she has seen firsthand the anxiety many women feel after an HPV infection diagnosis, knowing it could lead to cancer. From 2012 to 2014, she confirmed AHCC's efficacy in mouse models. She presented her findings at conferences held by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO). In 2018, she announced results from a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. It involved women with high-risk HPV infections lasting more than two years. For this work, she received ICNIM's Award for Outstanding Research Presentation. Efficacy in the Face of a Pandemic Another notable report came at the 30th annual meeting of ICNIM in 2022, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At Kitakawachi Fujii Hospital in Osaka, no COVID-19 cases were reported among healthcare workers who took AHCC before vaccination. In contrast, infections occurred in the group that had not taken AHCC. Although more research is needed to clarify its immune-related mechanisms, AHCC's potential in infection prevention has drawn widespread interest. Women researchers played a prominent role at the 32nd annual meeting. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) A full house at the meeting. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Advertisement Digging Deeper into Epigenetics in 2025 The 33rd ICNIM meeting will take place in Sapporo on November 8 and 9, 2025. Like 2024, the keynote lecture will focus on epigenetics. Dr Zdenko Herceg of the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is scheduled to give the keynote lecture. He plans to focus on current cutting-edge developments in cancer and epigenetics research. Jun Takanari, chair of the ICNIM2025 organizing committee, explains: "Last year's conference was our first deep dive into epigenetics. This year, we want to further explore the topic. If we can regulate genetic expression through lifestyle factors like diet and environment, we may be able to help prevent cancer itself." In Japan, functional foods and traditional or alternative medicine are not covered by national health insurance. As a result, integrative approaches are often overlooked in standard clinical settings. However, providing scientific evidence in integrative medicine supports disease prevention and helps reduce long-term healthcare costs. From Sapporo, ICNIM continues to promote the global potential of integrative medicine based on functional foods. Researchers gather for a commemorative photo with Amino Up's founder and chairman, Mr Kenichi Kosuna (third from right). (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) RELATED Author: Mika Sugiura このページを 日本語 で読む
