HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH GASTRIC CANCER

Abstract

Introduction: The growth of aggressive and uncontrolled cells that invade adjacent tissues or organs, causing the formation of tumors, is called cancer, which is currently considered one of the main public health challenges worldwide. Stomach cancer, specifically gastric adenocarcinoma, is the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally, representing a major global public health challenge. This type of neoplasm has a multifactorial origin and is strongly associated with infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, classified as a Group I carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). This bacterium has high genetic diversity and virulence factors that induce chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, leading to atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and ultimately cancer. Objectives: To identify in the literature the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the incidence of stomach cancer. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review. Data collection was carried out between January and February 2026 through the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the National Library of Medicine – NIH (PubMed), using the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): Gastric Neoplasms, Helicobacter pylori, and public health. The inclusion criteria adopted were: articles published between 2020 and 2025, articles available free of charge in Portuguese and English, addressing the proposed theme, and available in full text. Excluded materials included duplicate articles across databases, monographs, incomplete articles, and dissertations. After collection, the data were analyzed and compared with the relevant literature. Results and Discussion: The development of this type of neoplasm is directly linked to Helicobacter pylori infection, being associated with the emergence of inflammation and gastric alterations that, over time, increase the risk of cancer development. Therefore, preventive measures against the progression of this bacterium in the body are necessary, such as improving sanitary conditions, reducing salt and soft drink consumption, and adopting stricter hygiene habits, including proper handwashing and food sanitation, aiming to reduce infection and protect stomach health. Conclusions: It is concluded that infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is strongly associated with the development and onset of stomach cancer, making its eradication necessary for a better prognosis and for the prevention of gastric cancer through periodic endoscopic examinations, in order to prevent complications, reduce cases of stomach cancer, and improve patient prognosis.