What risk factor for gastric cancer should an LPN identify during a screening?

Chronic gastritis is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer due to the long-term inflammation and cellular changes it can cause in the stomach lining. This condition is often associated with the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, which can lead to atrophic gastritis, a precursor to gastric cancer. The continuous irritation and injury to the gastric mucosa from chronic gastritis can result in dysplasia, a process where normal cells begin to change into abnormal cells, increasing cancer risk over time.

In contrast, irritative conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and duodenal ulcers are not specifically linked to a higher incidence of gastric cancer. Sickle cell anemia, primarily a blood disorder, does not have a known connection to gastric cancer either. Understanding these relationships allows healthcare professionals to identify and monitor at-risk individuals effectively.