Risk factor assessment in stomach cancer among ethnic Kashmiri population: A hospital-based case–control study

ABSTRACT Background: Stomach cancer is a global health challenge, with diet playing a key role in its multifactorial causes. The distinct dietary habits of the Kashmiri population, influenced by prolonged winters, may heighten their risk, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies. Aim of the Study: The study aimed to assess the risk factors for stomach cancer among the ethnic Kashmiri population. Materials and Methods: It was a case–control study conducted at the Super Specialty Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Kashmir, from April 2019 to September 2020, evaluating 116 confirmed cases of stomach cancer to identify potential risk factors. Controls were age (±5 years) and gender matched with the cases and selected from three categories. Category A included 83 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the same laboratory but had findings other than stomach cancer. Category B comprised 17 apparently healthy family members of the cases, while Category C included 16 patients from nononcological wards without any history of malignancy. Each control was matched in a 1:1 ratio with a case, resulting in a total of 116 controls after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The mean age (standard deviation) of participants was 60.22 ± (11.90) years. Majority of the participants (69.8%) were males. Cases were predominantly from the rural area (58%). Our results found that those residing in rural areas have 2.64 times more chances of getting the disease than those residing in urban areas (95% confidence interval = 1.51–4.62; P = 0.001). Helicobacter pylori treatment (odds ratio: 0.2) and the consumption of refrigerated food, green chili peppers, fruits, and sweet tea were identified as protective factors. In contrast, high salt intake, red meat, pickles, hot tea, and salted tea significantly increased the risk. Conclusion: Given the high mortality and morbidity associated with stomach cancer, raising awareness about modifiable risk factors, particularly diet and smoking, is essential. Dietary modifications could serve as a practical strategy to reduce the incidence of stomach cancer in Kashmir.