Stomach Cancer Causes
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
1. Sex
Gastric cancer rates are considerably lower in females than males. This difference has been attributed to the protective effect of estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, against intestinal-type gastric cancer in women. For example, the risk for stomach cancer is lowered by delayed menopause (time of exposure to estrogen is increased), and it is increased with anti-estrogen drugs like tamoxifen. Furthermore, after menopause, the incidence of this cancer in women has a similar pattern to that in men. Finally, other possible factors that contribute to an increased incidence in males include diet and occupational exposure.
