How does diet affect my risk of stomach cancer?

Multiple studies have evaluated the role of specific foods and micronutrients in the development of stomach cancers. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort study was a massive undertaking involving hundreds of thousands of people in ten countries that gathered huge amounts of data about nutrition's impact on cancer and other diseases. An increased risk of stomach cancer was shown to correlate with increased intake of processed and red meat, decreased intake of fruits and vegetables, and decreased adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Multiple other studies appear to confirm the protective effect of high fruit and vegetable intake, as well as the increased risk for those who eat large amounts of processed meats. According to two studies from China, micronutrients associated with a possible decreased risk of esophageal and stomach cancers include retinol, beta carotene, vitamin E, and selenium. Lastly, two negative studies for adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and stomach were reported regarding the influence of carbonated soft drinks and soy products. The authors thought that carbonated drinks might increase risk and soy products might decrease it, but their hypotheses were unproven in both cases.

Processed meats -- think bacon and hot dogs -- can up your risk of stomach cancer, but other foods can do the opposite, says nutrition expert Dr. Neal Barnard. What should you bring home instead of the bacon? Watch this video to find out.

Nitrates and nitrites in smoked and preserved meats can form compounds called nitrosamines. Animal studies show that consuming large amounts of these substances over time can lead to cancer. In addition to avoiding large amounts of processed meats, maximizing your intake of fruits and vegetables that contain cancer-preventing phytonutrients is also a critical part of decreasing your risk for stomach cancer.

 In this video, gastroenterologist Dr. Robynne Chutkan discusses the foods that can cause this potentially deadly problem.