A study has connected the long-standing use of common proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatments with the subsequent development of cancer.

The study that linked the use of PPI and gastric cancer was based in Hong Kong and the scientific researchers followed 63,000 enrollees a little over 7 ½ years.

Use of PPI and gastric cancer risks were identified by the researchers as linked to length of treatment and dosage level. In other words, the higher the dose and the longer a given person took Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, or other well-known PPI treatments, the more likely they were to be diagnosed with PPI gastric cancer.

In the Hong Kong study, all of the participants had been treated for infection with a common stomach bacteria known as H. pylori. H. pylori is a bacteria also sometimes associated with stomach cancer, so the eradication of this element would be an important factor in ascertaining a link between the use of PPI and gastric cancer.

H. pylori is present in a lot of people globally, and for many, causes no symptomology whatsoever. For a certain percentage, however, problems such as cancerous conditions of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract follow the bacterial invasion.

Only 5 percent of enrollees in the Hong Kong study actually underwent PPI treatment on a daily basis. The people that were part of that 5 percent were found to be 2 ½ times more likely to develop PPI gastric cancer, according to the article.

Researchers reported the PPI and gastric cancer risk increased 5 times among this group if they took a daily dose of Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, or other over-the-counter PPI treatment for a year. This PPI and gastric cancer risk reportedly rose to 8 times if they took the daily treatment for 3 consecutive years.

Gastric cancer diagnoses also were made in patients taking the over-the-counter treatment as infrequently as once a week. The statistics indicated that risk associated with weekly consumption as compared to no consumption of the drug was roughly 2 ½ times.

The more frequently it was taken during the week, the greater the chance of developing gastric cancer maxing at a risk level of 4 ½ times with daily use.

What are PPIs Used for and What are the Alternatives?

PPIs are prescribed by physicians to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers caused by frequent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and other conditions. The ulcers can be present in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. PPIs can also be prescribed to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Other treatments for heartburn that reportedly carry less risk include H2 blockers. Examples of H2 Blockers are Pepcid AC, Tagamet, and Zantac.

Lifestyle and behavioral remedies for the frequent occurrence of heartburn include losing weight and eating smaller and more frequent meals. This six small meals a day method has been found to support metabolism and help with weight loss as well as decrease the expansion of the stomach which leads to increased acid. It is also recommended that individuals avoid foods that they know to have caused problems in the past with heartburn, such as spicy or high-sugar/carbohydrate count foods.