In recent years, gastric cancer has become a significant health concern worldwide, particularly in China, where half of the world's new cases are reported. One of the key factors contributing to this alarming statistic is the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among the Chinese population. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 50% of Chinese individuals are infected with H. pylori, totaling more than 700 million people. What exactly is H. pylori, and how does it relate to gastric cancer?