Have you ever experienced mild gastric discomfort or heartburn? If so, you’re not alone—and it might be more serious than you think. Many cases of stomach-related illness begin with a hard-to-detect bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. This infection often starts during childhood, typically without any symptoms, but it can gradually develop into serious conditions in adulthood such as gastric ulcers and, in some cases, stomach cancer. 

A recent report by IARC/WHO, published in Nature Medicine, estimates that around 15.6 million new cases of gastric cancer could develop among people born between 2008–2017 if preventive action isn't taken. Alarmingly, about 76% of those cases are directly linked to H. pylori—meaning they are largely preventable through early detection and treatment. 

Stomach cancer is currently the fifth most common cancer globally and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, with over 960,000 new cases reported every year and hundreds of thousands of fatalities. 

Understanding H. pylori and How It Spreads 

H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the mucus lining of the stomach. Infection usually occurs in early childhood through oral contact or consumption of contaminated food or water (fecal-oral transmission). It is especially prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified H. pylori as a Group I carcinogen, recommending early screening and treatment in high-risk populations. Eradicating this bacterium significantly reduces the long-term risk of stomach cancer. 

Symptoms of H. pylori Infection 

Roughly 80% of people infected with H. pylori show no symptoms, making early detection challenging. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include: 

  • A dull or burning pain in the upper abdomen 
  • Feeling full quickly after eating 
  • Bloating or frequent burping 
  • Mild nausea or occasional vomiting 
  • Unexplained weight loss, bad breath, or early-morning hunger pangs 

These symptoms are often mistaken for common indigestion or gastritis, which leads many people to delay diagnosis and treatment. 

Long-Term Complications of Untreated H. pylori 

If left untreated, chronic H. pylori infection can cause a range of serious gastrointestinal issues, including: 

  • Chronic gastritis leading to gastric atrophy 
  • Peptic ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (occurs in 10–20% of cases) 
  • Intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia—early signs of cancer 
  • Non-cardia and cardia gastric cancers (1–3% lifetime risk) 
  • MALT lymphoma (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue lymphoma) 

In over half of all stomach cancer diagnoses, the disease has already spread to the lymph nodes, making early intervention critical. 

Why Early Eradication of H. pylori Is Important 

Clinical studies show that proactive screening and treatment can reduce the incidence of gastric cancer by up to 75%, especially in regions with high infection rates. 

Diagnosis can be done using non-invasive methods such as a urea breath test, stool antigen test, or endoscopy if necessary. When detected early, appropriate therapy can halt the inflammatory process before it leads to precancerous cellular changes. 

Vonoprazan: A Modern Therapy for H. pylori Eradication 

What Is Vonoprazan? 

Vonoprazan is a Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker (P-CAB) that delivers faster and more stable acid suppression than traditional Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). It is now approved as a first-line therapy for H. pylori eradication in countries such as Japan and the United States. 

Clinically Proven Advantages 

  • Provides consistent acid suppression, maintaining gastric pH >4 for over 24 hours after just one dose 
  • Not affected by genetic variations in CYP2C19, making it effective for a broader patient population 
  • The PHALCON-HP trial found that Vonoprazan triple therapy achieved an eradication rate of 80.8% overall and 65.8% in clarithromycin-resistant strains—far outperforming lansoprazole triple therapy (68.5% and 31.9%) 
  • High-dose dual or triple regimens for 14 days have shown eradication rates exceeding 90% in meta-analyses 
  • Excellent safety profile with mild side effects and low risk of complications 
  • Dual Therapy: Vonoprazan + high-dose amoxicillin for 14 days offers ease of use and high efficacy 
  • Triple Therapy (VAC): Vonoprazan + amoxicillin + clarithromycin is a standard option with success rates above 90%, especially in regions with high antibiotic resistance 

H. pylori is a silent threat that can lead to serious consequences if overlooked. Vonoprazan, as part of a modern H. pylori eradication regimen, offers a science-backed solution that is efficient, safe, and highly effective. 

Bahtera Adi Jaya, the official distributor of Vonoprazan in Indonesia, is committed to providing scientifically validated medical solutions to address urgent public health challenges. With Vonoprazan now available, patients have access to a more powerful treatment option to fight H. pylori and significantly reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms like persistent heartburn, prolonged nausea, or abdominal bloating, don’t ignore them. Early screening and treatment can preserve your quality of life and serve as a powerful step toward preventing gastric cancer. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.