Eating junk food, stress, unhealthy lifestyle and genes explain the major reason behind increase in stomach cancer cases in India, said experts here on Wednesday. Stomach cancer, also known as Gastric cancer, is the fifth most common cancer among males and seventh most common cancer among females in India. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death globally.

Over the past decade, the incidence of stomach cancer in India has exhibited a gradual increase. Compared to many Western countries, stomach cancer rates in India are relatively high. It is due to unique dietary practices, notably a preference for spicy and preserved foods, and alcohol intake, according to doctors.