New research finds common medication linked to doubling risk of stomach cancer
New research has uncovered a link between prescription heartburn medication and stomach cancer.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used to suppress acid production in the stomach and are one of the most widely sold drugs in the world.
But a new Hong Kong study has found that long-term use of the medicine can increase stomach cancer by almost 250 per cent.
The risks are associated with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, carried by more than half of the world’s population. It is often harmless but in a small percentage of people, the bug has been linked to the development of stomach cancer.
The latest study involved more than 63,000 adults and looked at long-term use of PPI's after patients were treated for H.pylori infection.
The study, published in the medical journal Gut, found that the stomach cancer risk was higher in people who had used the tablets more often and for longer.
There was also an eight-fold increased risk among those who used PPI's for three years or more.
Associate Professor Richard Ferrero says this is the first study of its size and the study is particularly important due to the elimination of several important factors, including an existing H.pylori infection.
However, the study was focused on Chinese participants and may not be generalised to other ethnic groups.
People of Asian descent have a higher risk of stomach cancer than western countries.
However, considering the evidence that the drug is overused, the study is a reminder for people to check their need for taking the drug.
"The broader message that's really relevant to the many proplr who are taking proton pump inhibitors is that these medicines like all medicines do have potential serious side-effects, so there should always be a good reason to be on the medicine," Dr Jeannie Yoo, from NPS MedicineWise said.
"You shouldn't be taking it any higher dose or for longer than you need and if you're not sure if you need to be on the medicines you're on at the moment, this is a good reminder to have a conversation with your GP or your specialist," Dr Yoo said.