H. pylori often runs in families. Testing makes most sense for close relatives of people with stomach cancer, and for anyone with symptoms.
H. pylori is a stomach infection that is usually picked up in childhood, often within families. It causes gastritis and ulcers, and is the main cause of stomach cancer.
Who should consider testing
- Close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters, children) of someone with stomach cancer
- Anyone with indigestion or upper abdominal pain
- People with a stomach or duodenal ulcer, now or in the past
- People starting long-term aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers
Testing everyone in a family who has no symptoms and no family history of stomach cancer is not routinely recommended, though it is reasonable to discuss.
How testing works
A urea breath test or a stool test is simple and reliable. Stop acid-suppressing medicines for two weeks and antibiotics for four weeks beforehand, because they can give a false negative result. In people who need a gastroscopy anyway, biopsies can be taken at the same time.
After treatment
Treatment is a one- to two-week course of antibiotics with acid-suppressing medicine. A repeat test at least four weeks after finishing confirms that the infection has cleared. See H. pylori and gastritis and stomach cancer screening.
General information only. Reviewed by Dr Chia Chung King, 2026-11-07. Book a consultation.