GASTRIC CANCER: RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Gastric cancer, although its incidence has decreased in several parts of the world, continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, especially in countries where the disease is still prevalent. Early diagnosis is crucial to improve survival rates and quality of life for affected patients. Gastric cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages or presents with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, and indigestion. Because of this, the disease is often diagnosed in advanced stages, when treatment options are limited and less effective. Early detection, on the other hand, allows for more effective therapeutic interventions, including the possibility of complete surgical resection of the tumor, which is directly associated with better clinical outcomes. This literature review gathered articles published in the last five years in the PUBMED and SciELO databases with the aim of identifying the risk factors related to the development of gastric cancer.