New York State Department of Health Recognizes November as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

Certain Factors Can Increase a Person's Risk of Developing Stomach Cancer

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 13, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health today recognizes the month of November as National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month and is raising awareness about stomach cancer, its risk factors, and prevention measures.

"This month is a time to raise awareness about stomach cancer and knowing the risk factors, especially family history, is important for early detection," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "While stomach cancer is typically found in older adults, preventive measures like staying away from tobacco and alcohol and eating a healthy and balanced diet can make a difference."

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs most often in older individuals; about 6 out of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer are age 65 and older. Males are more likely to get stomach cancer and have a higher mortality due to stomach cancer than females. In New York State, stomach cancer occurs more frequently and has a higher mortality among individuals who are Asian or Pacific Islanders or who are Black, relative to White individuals.

The Department encourages New Yorkers to learn about stomach cancer, its risk factors, and to consider ways to reduce individual risk.

Individuals can reduce their risk of getting stomach cancer by learning their family history and discussing any concerns with a health care provider. Factors that may increase a person's risk of developing stomach cancer include the following:

  • Family history: People with close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters or children) who have had stomach cancer are at greater risk for the disease. Current research indicates that about 15-20 percent of stomach cancers may be inherited.
  • Smoking: A current smoker's risk for stomach cancer may be about double that of a non-smoker.
  • Alcohol: Heavy drinking increases the risk of stomach cancer.
  • Ionizing radiation: Individuals exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as radiation treatment for other diseases, are at a higher risk for developing stomach cancer.
  • Workplace exposures: Individuals who work in industries that are dusty (such as foundries, steelmaking and mining) are at an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. Workers in the rubber industry, oil refineries and workers exposed to diesel exhaust are also at an increased risk for the disease.
  • Diet: Diets low in vegetables, fruit and high fiber foods or diets high in salt, smoked or poorly preserved foods may increase risk for stomach cancer.
  • Having other medical conditions: The risk of stomach cancer is increased in people who have conditions that increase inflammation in the stomach (called gastritis), who are infected with the bacterium H. pylori, and those with excess body weight.

Choosing a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits and whole grains may reduce the risk of developing many types of cancers, including stomach cancer, as well as other diseases. Discuss the risks and benefits of medical imaging, such as CT scans, with a health care provider to avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Department has extensive programs and initiatives to help inform New Yorkers about cancer, as well as provide support to individuals and families who are impacted by the disease.

The New York State Cancer Registry participates in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, End Results and Epidemiology program to collect standardized information on all cancer cases in New York. This information allows researchers, doctors, policy makers, public health professionals, and members of the public to monitor the burden of cancer, evaluate cancer prevention and control programs and identify focus areas for research and policy development.

The New York State Cancer Registry also actively collaborates on research studies with a goal of improving cancer outcomes and reducing health disparities. In addition, the New York State Cancer Registry participates in the Virtual Pooled Registry- Cancer Linkage System (VPR-CLS) that allows researchers to conduct minimal risk linkage studies with multiple central cancer registries. The New York State Cancer Registry and cancer statistics can be found here.

The New York State Cancer Consortium is a statewide network made up of more than 400 organizations from the public and private sectors whose missions are aligned with reducing cancer incidence and mortality. Consortium Action Teams come together to address some of New York's highest burden of preventable cancers, including colorectal cancer, cancers caused by the human papilloma virus, lung cancer, skin cancer and health and wellness issues for New York's many cancer survivors. The Department is an active member, participating in the Consortium's Steering Committee, providing support to the committee and other Consortium work groups and facilitating the development and evaluation of the New York State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.

Enrolling in health care coverage can improve access to medical care and reduce the risk of illness, including cancer. To enroll in health coverage or to find out about financial assistance to lower the cost of health coverage, contact the NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220) or visit Resources | NY State of Health.

More information on stomach cancer, including, prevention, treatment, and resources can be found here.