Long-term Antibiotic Use and Gastric Cancer Risk: An Investigation

Introduction Gastric cancer is a major health issue worldwide, with its development attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and microbial factors. While many factors contribute to its etiology, recent research has brought attention to the potential connection between long-term antibiotic use and an increased risk of developing gastric cancer. The objective of this study is to explore this association by examining the effects of prolonged antibiotic consumption on the incidence of gastric cancer. Understanding this relationship is crucial, given the widespread use of antibiotics and the potential implications for public health and clinical practices. Materials and Methods This investigation was carried out as a retrospective cohort study, involving a total of ۵,۰۰۰ participants. The study cohort was evenly divided into ۲,۵۰۰ males and ۲,۵۰۰ females, with a mean age of ۵۵ years, and an age range spanning from ۳۰ to ۸۰ years. Participants were categorized into two distinct groups: those with a history of long-term antibiotic use, defined as continuous use for more than six months, and those without significant exposure to antibiotics. Medical records were meticulously reviewed to identify instances of gastric cancer diagnosed during the study period. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the relative risk associated with prolonged antibiotic use. Results The analysis revealed that out of the ۵,۰۰۰ participants, there were ۳۰۰ identified cases of gastric cancer. Within the group that had a history of long-term antibiotic use, there were ۲۰۰ cases, whereas the group without significant antibiotic exposure recorded ۱۰۰ cases. This data indicates that participants with prolonged antibiotic use exhibited a higher incidence of gastric cancer, with a rate of ۴% compared to ۲% in those without such exposure. Additionally, the analysis showed a slight gender disparity, with males experiencing a marginally higher incidence rate of gastric cancer compared to females (۴.۲% vs. ۳.۸%). Conclusion The study's findings highlight a significant association between long-term antibiotic use and an increased risk of gastric cancer. The notably higher incidence of gastric cancer in the group with prolonged antibiotic exposure emphasizes the importance of cautious antibiotic prescribing practices. These results suggest the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of this relationship, potentially leading to more informed guidelines for antibiotic use. Ultimately, understanding the link between antibiotics and gastric cancer risk may contribute to better prevention strategies and improved outcomes for individuals at risk.

کلیدواژه ها:

Gastric cancer ، long-term antibiotic use ، cancer risk ، retrospective cohort study ، antibiotic exposure.