According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, gastric cancer remains of the leading cancers in the world with a high mortality rate. Studies show that patients who are prescribed PPIs are at a higher risk of developing certain kidney and stomach injuries, including gastric cancer. The most susceptible group is those with underlying issues.
Contact your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your stomach or abdominal area, or if you show any signs of gastric cancer. If you have been diagnosed with gastric cancer, contact a PPI gastric cancer lawyer right away. You may be eligible to participate in a PPI gastric cancer lawsuit.
What is Gastric Cancer?
Gastric cancer is when malignant cells form in the stomach. Cancer can be in the main area of the stomach but is more commonly found where the stomach meets the esophagus or on the stomach lining. You may be in the early stages of gastric cancer if you experience the following chronic symptoms: stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, or feeling bloated after eating. Obesity, smoking, and acid reflux are believed to increase the risk of acquiring gastric cancer.
Research has also found a link between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and developing gastric cancer. If you’ve been injured as a result of taking proton pump inhibitors, call a PPI gastric cancer lawyer.
Do PPIs Cause Gastric Cancer?
Research shows that taking PPIs increases the risk of developing certain kidney and stomach injuries such as gastric cancer. With potent acid suppression, PPIs could induce changes in the gastric environment, including hypergastrinemia and enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting PPIs could contribute to bacterial overgrowth in the stomach. Intuitively, PPIs worsen gastric atrophy and hence could increase the risk of gastric cancer.
Those who are most susceptible have underlying stomach issues such as gastric lesions or acid reflux. The main drugs being investigated for causing PPI gastric cancer are Prevacid, Dexilant, Protonix, Nexium, and Prilosec. If you have been injured from one of these or a different PPI, contact an attorney soon.