Stomach Cancer Diagnosis in Young Adults: Why Cases Are Rising

oncare team
Updated on Jul 19, 2025 16:56 IST

By Raveena M Prakash

Stomach cancer incidence is generally linked to older adults who are above 50. Recent studies and data show an increasing trend of cancer incidence in young adults across the world, which can’t be ignored. This cancer, also known as gastric cancer, in young adults demands urgent medical attention. Prevention and early stomach cancer diagnosis promise better outcomes in the treatment of this cancer.

In this article, we’ll look more into why stomach cancer is rising in youngsters and how to lower the risks in people!

Why is stomach cancer rising in young adults?

There are several reasons why stomach cancer is rising in youngsters that account for an alarming rise in the incidence of this cancer. 

These may include:

a). Helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori) infections

Chronic H. pylori infection remains a major factor for developing gastric cancer. It is often responsible for approximately 76% of cases in groups of people. It often appears as a silent symptom or is mistaken as a symptom of indigestion. Early detection and effective treatment of this infection could prevent a large percentage of gastric cancers.

b). Poor diet & lifestyle choices

Consuming a poor diet that contains ultra-processed, salty, smoked, or pickled foods can lead to obesity. Additionally, people who smoke and drink excessively along with sedentary habits might create a foundation for developing these types of cancer. All these lifestyle factors are closely related to the growth of stomach and GI cancers in youngsters. 

c) Antibiotic use & Microbiome disruption

Studies suggest an extensive connection between antibiotic use, which might affect the gut microbiota. It often raises the hint of how microplastics affect gut lining health.

d) Genetic predisposition

There are inherited mutations such as the CDH1 that comes with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDHC), which plays a major role in developing this cancer. Studies suggest that this is a main syndrome that significantly increases the risk of developing cancers such as diffuse-type stomach cancer. 

According to many studies, the common age for this cancer incidence is 38. Early diagnosis often leads to performing preventative gastrectomy (stomach removal) in young adults. It often helps to reduce the cancer risk in high-risk young adults. 

e) Environmental & socioeconomic factors

People highly exposed to air pollution and chemicals might experience an increased risk of stomach cancer. Studies have suggested that Hispanic and young Asian adults have seen a spike in aggressive, metastatic cases.

How to lower the risks?

There are some effective ways to reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer in young adults. 

These may include:

  • Raising awareness and education: Increasing stomach cancer awareness and educating more about its risk factors and symptoms to both the public and adults might help to lower the risks of developing this cancer.
  • Regular H.pylori infection screening and its treatments: If you belong to a high-risk group that has a family history of gastric cancer, then performing a regular screening might help to identify the symptoms early. It also helps to start a treatment immediately, without wasting time, and prevents metastasis. 
  • Healthy lifestyle adaptation: Adopting a diet rich in nutrients and minerals that contains fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-processed foods helps people maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, quitting the habit of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption helps you stay active and lower the risk. 
  • Genetic surveillance & counseling: Families with a history of cancer or genetic markers such as CDH1, Lynch, and other genetic mutations should consider getting more genetic testing and monitoring.

The Challenges young adults might face

There are few challenges youngsters might face which influence the growth of gastric cancer.

These may include:

  • Delayed diagnosis: There are several symptoms, such as indigestion, mild pain, nausea, or fatigue, that are less likely to raise concerns in young adults. 
  • Advanced disease: Over 50% of young patients have metastatic gastric cancer at diagnosis, with five-year survival rates that are nearly 4%.
  • Limited treatment options: This cancer in youngsters may respond differently to treatment when compared to old patients. 
  • Psychosocial and practical hurdles: Cancer treatments often disrupt careers, education, and family planning and pose threats to fertility, along with emotional and financial challenges. 
  • Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and unhealthy eating habits, including processed and red meat consumption, can increase the risk of gastric cancer in people.

Consult Today

Stomach cancer is generally linked to older adults. However, recent data shows an alarming rise of stomach cancer among those under their 50s, especially in women and several ethnic groups. Gastric cancer in young adults demands urgent attention. Cancer awareness in young adults can start from the influence of H. pylori infection, lifestyle choices, or genetic factors. Understanding these factors can reduce the risk of any future complications with the help of early diagnosis. 

At Oncare, we offer quality treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialists today. Get an estimated cost of cancer treatments!

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