Study summary

Treating H. pylori infection lowers the risk of stomach cancer

H. pylori eradication review · Pooled trials and cohorts · Published January 2025, Gastroenterology

What was tested

A pooled look at randomized and observational studies of antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori, the stomach infection behind most stomach cancers.

What they found

• In randomized trials, eradication lowered stomach cancer risk (relative risk 0.64), a 36% reduction.
• Benefit was seen in both healthy people and those with prior early cancer.

What it means

Supports testing and treating H. pylori, especially in people with a family history or from high-risk regions.