Retrospective cohort study of impact of Helicobacter pylori infection and treatment on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality

Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of infection-associated cancer. A retrospective cohort analysis among adults within the Veterans Health Administration who completed testing for H. pylori investigated the association of H. pylori positivity with colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Among 812.736 individuals, 205.178 (25.2%) tested positive. Being H. pylori-positive versus H. pylori-negative was associated with higher CRC incidence and mortality, while H. pylori treatment versus no treatment was associated with lower CRC incidence and mortality (absolute risk reduction 0.23%-0.35%) through 15-year follow-up.