A INFLUÊNCIA DA INFECÇÃO POR HELICOBACTER PYLORI NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DO CÂNCER GÁSTRICO

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.51572926170415

• Palavras-chave: Câncer gástrico; Fatores de risco; Helicobacter pylori

• Keywords: Gastric cancer; Risk factors; Helicobacter pylori

• Abstract: Introduction: Infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is considered the main risk factor for the development of gastric cancer, being classified by the World Health Organization as a group 1 carcinogen. Although a large part of the world population is colonized in childhood, only a fraction progresses to neoplasia due to the interaction of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Objective: To understand the influence of H. pylori in gastric carcinogenesis, highlighting pathogenic mechanisms, associated risk factors, and recent epidemiological data. Method and materials: narrative literature review, exploratory and descriptive in nature, with searches in SciELO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and institutional databases, considering articles published between 2019 and 2024. Results: The analysis demonstrated that H. pylori triggers chronic inflammation, epigenetic alterations, and cellular mutations, promoting atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric neoplasia, especially in non-cardia tumors. A higher prevalence was observed in men, related to behavioral factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and inadequate eating habits. Despite the recognition of the role of the bacterium, there was a shortage of national data on prevalence by age group, especially in adolescents and the elderly, which limits preventive policies. Conclusion: H. pylori infection represents a determining, but not exclusive, factor for gastric cancer, making prevention, early diagnosis, and the promotion of healthy habits essential strategies to reduce incidence and mortality.