The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, although several factors have been associated with a higher risk of developing the disease, including: • Precancerous Changes in the Stomach — In the inner lining of the stomach, several precancerous changes can occur, such as:Atrophic gastritis, is characterized by a reduced number or absence of the normal gland cells of the stomach. It may also result in inflammation if the stomach cells are damaged by cells of the immune system, also known as an autoimmune reaction. Some people with this condition go on to develop other stomach problems, including pernicious anemia or cancer. Intestinal metaplasia, another possible precancerous change in the stomach, is a condition in which the cells that normally line the stomach are replaced by cells that usually line the intestine. Dysplasia, which is caused by damage to the DNA inside the gland cells, can result from either atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia as both of these conditions can lead to having too few gland cells. • Gender — Stomach cancer is more likely to affect men than it is women, which may be related to lifestyle factors. • Age — While stomach cancer can occur in younger people, the risk goes up with increased age; most diagnoses of stomach cancer are in people in their 60s, 70s, or 80s. • Overweight or Obesity — Being overweight or obese is linked with an increased risk of cancers of the upper part of the stomach near the esophagus, known as the cardia. • Diet — Consuming large amounts of foods preserved by salting, such as fish, meat, and pickled vegetables, is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer. • Alcohol Use — Alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer, particularly in people who have 3 or more drinks per day. • Tobacco Use — The link between smoking and an increased risk of cancer is well-known, including stomach cancer; the rate of stomach cancer is about doubled in people who smoke.