Study Links Helicobacter pylori to Increased Risk of Bowel Cancer

A study has suggested that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), found in the stomachs of many individuals, may be linked to an increase in bowel cancer cases. Researchers indicate that H. pylori could be responsible for up to 22% of bowel cancer cases, with a higher risk of 59% for those exposed to the bacteria compared to those who are not. The findings were published in the journal eGastroenterology by scientists from the University of Hong Kong and the University of California, analyzing data from 43 studies involving over 48.7 million people globally. The link was found to be strongest in the Western Pacific Region, where approximately a quarter of bowel cancer cases may be associated with H. pylori. The bacterium is typically acquired in childhood and can persist in the stomach for years, leading to inflammation and potential complications. Experts warn that contaminated vegetables, including lettuce, can expose consumers to H. pylori. While the study does not establish a direct causal relationship between H. pylori and bowel cancer, it suggests that treating the infection could lower the risk of developing cancer in at-risk populations. Dr. Rosiered Brownson-Smith from King’s College London noted that while H. pylori is known to cause stomach cancer, further research is needed to confirm its role in bowel cancer. Cancer Research UK states that over half of bowel cancers are preventable, with various lifestyle factors contributing to the risk.