Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with many influences contributing to the<br />disease. The aim of this study was to identify the most important risk factors. Methods: This study was conducted in<br />2017 with a structured overview in the Science Directe, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science (ISI) databases.<br />In the first step, articles were extracted based on their titles and abstracts; the quality of 43 articles was evaluated<br />using the STORBE tool. Inclusion criteria were studies carried out on human, English language (first step), year of<br />the study and the study type (second step). Results: Finally, 1,381 articles were found, of which 1,269 were excluded<br />in primary and secondary screening. In reviewing the references of the remaining 44 papers, 4 studies were added.<br />Finally, 43 articles were selected for the quality assessment process. A total of 52 risk factors for gastric cancer were<br />identified and classified into nine important categories: diet, lifestyle, genetic predisposition, family history, treatment<br />and medical conditions, infections, demographic characteristics, occupational exposures and ionizing radiation'.<br />Conclusion: Several environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of gastric cancer. Regarding<br />the role of changes in ‘diet and lifestyle', considering appropriate nutrition and improving the level of education and<br />awareness of people is vital for early diagnosis and timely treatment of this disease, especially in people with a family<br />history and genetic predisposition.