August 22, 2018.
90% of stomach cancers are caused by bacteria. It remains to be seen who is infected. A very important public health issue in some countries.
A bacterium responsible for many cancers
Helicobacter pylori bacteria are believed to be responsible for nearly 90% of stomach cancers. A bacterium which would develop in our organism without manifesting its presence by a particular symptom. ” The association demonstrated between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer is as strong as that between tobacco and lung cancer. », Notes Professor Tamara Matysiak-Budnik, gastroenterologist and oncologist at Nantes University Hospital, in the columns of the Figaro.
As a reminder, stomach cancer is the 4th most common cancer. However, today it represents only 3% of cancers. It is a very aggressive cancer because it is often detected at an advanced stage: the average age of diagnosis of this cancer is 71 years in men and 74 years in women. However, the later it is discovered, the more difficult it is to treat. In France, 6,000 to 7,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and 4,500 patients die from it.
Some countries more affected than others
However, it should be noted that in France the number of people infected with this Helicobacter pylori bacterium is not very high. Which is not the case in Africa: 20 to 30% of people infected in France, against 80% in Africa. It is therefore a health emergency. East Asia, Japan, Korea, China but also South America would also be strongly affected.
” Eradication of H. pylori infection with antibiotics cures and reduces superficial gastritis and most atrophic gastritis, thus preventing stomach cancer », Adds Professor Tamara Matysiak-Budnik in the Figaro. Screening of the populations most affected by this bacterium therefore seems urgent. because it is the only way to stop its proliferation.
Marine Rondot
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