H. Pylori is classified by WHO as a Group 1 Carcinogen — scientifically proven to cause stomach cancer. But the real numbers are reassuring.
The Real Numbers:
- 50% of the world's population is infected.
- Only 1-3% of infected people develop stomach cancer.
- The journey from infection to cancer takes decades — not months.
- Treatment reduces risk by 30-40%.
Factors That Increase Risk:
- Bacterial strain: Some strains are more virulent (CagA positive) — common in the Middle East.
- Family history: First-degree relative with stomach cancer.
- Smoking.
- Heavily salted and pickled foods.
- Not treating the bacteria for many years.
Bottom Line:
Don't panic — but don't neglect. Treating H. Pylori is simple and quick. Not treating doesn't guarantee cancer but increases risk unnecessarily.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we treat H. Pylori with modern protocols and monitor high-risk patients.