Age-stratified risk analysis of gastric cancer: a retrospective hospital-based study of helicobacter pylori, smoking, and dietary patterns in South China across three age groups

This study highlights age-specific disparities in GC risk profiles and underscores the cumulative exposure patterns of <i>H. pylori</i> infection, smoking, and dietary carcinogens. However, given the retrospective and hospital-based design, causal relationships cannot be established, and selection bias may exist. Despite these limitations, the findings provide an epidemiological basis for age-tailored prevention strategies, emphasizing early eradication of <i>H. pylori</i>, smoking cessation, and dietary interventions for high-risk populations.