  It is possible to develop stomach cancer with or without the
risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you
have, the greater your likelihood of developing stomach cancer.
If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you
can do to reduce your risk.  There are a number of risk factors
for the development of stomach cancer. Many of the risk factors
involve decreased levels of acid in the stomach—conditions that
affect the amount of stomach acid produced seem to increase the
risk of stomach cancer.  Researchers would like to understand
more about the risk factors for stomach cancer. For example,
there is a much higher risk of stomach cancer among people
living in Japan. No one is sure what causes this increased risk.
Some researchers think the increased risk may be related to an
environmental exposure occurring in early childhood.  The major
risk factors for stomach cancer include the following:  With
gastritis, the stomach has fewer glands than normal, resulting
in chronic inflamm