The following are suggested as risk factors for stomach cancer:
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Helicobacter pylori infection
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diet that includes large amounts of the following:
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smoked foods
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salted fish and meat
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foods high in starch and low in fiber
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pickled vegetables
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foods and beverages that contain nitrates and nitrites
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tobacco abuse
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alcohol abuse
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previous stomach surgery
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megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia (caused by vitamin B12 deficiency)
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Menetrier's disease
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marked increase after age 45 (most patients are in their 60s, 70s, or 80s)
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male gender (more men are diagnosed with the disease than women)
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having blood type A
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family history of the following:
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hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
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familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
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stomach cancer
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history of stomach polyps
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exposure to environmental factors such as dusts and fumes in the workplace