A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine has brought to light a concerning global trend in stomach cancer, particularly among individuals under the age of 50. The research highlights that a significant number of future stomach cancer cases are linked to the preventable infection Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Chronic infection with H. pylori is identified as the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer. Fortunately, this infection can be effectively treated using a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. The study, conducted by researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), projects that if current prevention strategies remain unchanged, there will be approximately 15.6 million new cases of stomach cancer globally among people born between 2008 and 2017. Alarmingly, about 76% of these cases—equating to three-quarters—are attributable to H. pylori and are potentially preventable. Asia is expected to experience the highest burden, with an estimated 10.6 million cases, followed by regions in the Americas and Africa. The researchers utilized large-scale simulations that incorporated data from GLOBOCAN 2022 and United Nations mortality projections to estimate lifetime cancer risk based on factors such as age, likelihood of death, and demographic trends. The study emphasizes that implementing a 100% effective screening and treatment program for H. pylori could reduce stomach cancer cases by up to 75%. Even programs with an effectiveness rate of 80-90% could still prevent between 60-68% of cases. These interventions are not only cost-effective but also feasible in low-income settings, drawing parallels to successful HPV or hepatitis B vaccination campaigns. The findings strongly advocate for investment in population-level screen-and-treat programs and underscore the importance of developing a vaccine for H. pylori. Despite some limitations in data from low-income countries and assumptions regarding static infection rates, the study makes a compelling case for proactive global public health measures aimed at preventing a substantial portion of future gastric cancer cases.