We are proud that DiCE CEO Zorana Maravic had the opportunity to contribute to the report published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO): “Population-based Helicobacter pylori Screen-and-Treat Strategies for Gastric Cancer Prevention: Guidance on Implementation.” This milestone document, edited by Jin Young Park and developed with the collaboration of other TOGAS Consortium partners, offers the most comprehensive guidance to date on implementing H. pylori screen-and-treat strategies to reduce the gastric cancer burden.

The new report builds on the foundation laid in 2013, when IARC first recommended exploring the eradication of H. pylori as a gastric cancer prevention strategy. This 2025 report shifted the focus to practical implementation, recognising a pressing need for global action.

Key Takeaways from the Report:

• Gastric cancer, largely caused by chronic H. pylori infection, remains a major global health issue, particularly in low- and medium-Human Development Index (HDI) countries.
• Population-based H. pylori screen-and-treat strategies can reduce gastric cancer risk by up to 36% and are cost-effective, even in lower-risk settings.
• Screening methods should be tailored to local contexts and include the 13C-urea breath test (UBT), stool antigen test (SAT), and serology tests.
• Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment due to its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant H. pylori strains.
• Programmes should be guided by strong governance, sustainable funding, and strong antibiotic administration.
• Local pilot projects and data modelling are essential to tailor and evaluate the implementation.

Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) remains at the forefront of gastric cancer advocacy and innovation. This report aligns with our mission to advance effective, evidence-based prevention strategies for digestive cancers and reinforces the importance of equity, access, and patient-centred approaches.

We invite our network to explore the full report and join the movement toward meaningful prevention:

🔗 Full Report: https://publications.iarc.who.int/648

Author:

Laura Urena