Patients infected with Helicobacter pylori have a two- to sixfold increased risk of developing gastric cancer and mucosal associated-lymphoid-type lymphoma compared with their uninfected counterparts.[22]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC yellow book 2026: health information for international travel. Section 4: travel-associated infections and diseases. Apr 2025 [internet publication].
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/helicobacter-pylori
One large retrospective cohort study from the US found that the risk of gastric cancer was especially higher among racial and ethnic minorities and smokers who were infected with H pylori.[58]Kumar S, Metz DC, Ellenberg S, et al. Risk factors and incidence of gastric cancer after detection of Helicobacter pylori infection: a large cohort study. Gastroenterology. 2020 Feb;158(3):527-36.e7.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7010558
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31654635?tool=bestpractice.com
One systematic review and meta-analysis found that screening for H pylori in an asymptomatic, healthy Asian population followed by H pylori eradication in affected patients reduced the prevalence of gastric cancer.[59]Ford AC, Forman D, Hunt RH, et al. Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy to prevent gastric cancer in healthy asymptomatic infected individuals: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2014 May 20;348:g3174.
http://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g3174.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24846275?tool=bestpractice.com
However, generalised H pylori screening and eradication for the primary prevention of gastric cancer is not currently recommended for the US population. Focused testing and treatment of H pylori infection is appropriate in high-risk populations for primary and secondary prevention.[3]Chey WD, Howden CW, Moss SF, et al. ACG clinical guideline: treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection. Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Sep 1;119(9):1730-53.
https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2024/09000/acg_clinical_guideline__treatment_of_helicobacter.13.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39626064?tool=bestpractice.com