The risk factors that predisposes to stomach cancer are:

1. Gender
   Men are at higher risk of developing stomach cancer than women. Twice the risk among men
   
   
2. Age
   Majority of stomach cancer occurs in the elderly age group with higher risk among those above 60 years of age.
   
   
3. Race
   According to the statistic by National Cancer Institut of Malaysia in 2006, the incidence of stomach cancer is higher among chinese at 61.7%, followed by malays 25.9% and Indians 12.4%.
   
   
4. Helicobacter pylori infection
   Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the predisposing factors for stomach cancer and it is prevalent among these patients. However not all patients with Helicobacter pylori infection will develop stomach cancer.
   
   
5. Smoking
   Smoking is associated with twice higher risk of getting stomach cancer.
   
   
6. Diet
   The risk for stomach cancer is higher among those with high intake of pickled, salted and smoked food. Diet with high fresh foods and vegetables may reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
   
   
7. Family risk
   Those with family members diagnosed with stomach cancer have a higher risk compared to the general population especially among the immediate family such as parents and siblings.

Updated:: 05/11/2021 []