Avoid stomach cancer by not sharing utensils: HPABy Chiu Chih-jou, Huang Hsu-lei and Fion Khan / Staff reporters, with staff writerThe public is advised to use serving utensils during holiday banquets to reduce the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection, which is a common cause of stomach cancer, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) said yesterday. The bacteria are primarily transmitted via oral contact and the common practice of sharing dishes and cups during holiday gatherings could potentially increase the risk of stomach cancer, HPA cancer prevention division director Hsu Tsui-hsia (徐翠霞) said. About 80 to 90 percent of stomach cancer cases in the nation are linked to H pylori infection, making it the primary risk factor, the data showed. Detection of stomach cancer relies heavily on screening and regular health checkups, the HPA said. The government on Jan. 1 started offering free lifetime stomach cancer screening for people aged 45 to 74 to help lower incidence rates, it said.

Source: Taipei Times February 17, 2026 17:13 UTC