The paper presents statistical data on gastric cancer (GC) incidence. Pre-cancerous conditions in the stomach (polyps, peptic ulcer, post-resection syndromes, chronic atrophic gastritis) are considered in detail. The author evaluates the role played by Helicobacter pylori persistence in gastric cancer pathogenesis, and discloses the genetic aspects of oncogenesis. The modern conception of gastrocarcinogenesis, based upon the multicasuality and a multi-factor character of endogenious impacts on the gastric glandular apparatus, is described in the article. Preventive measures should be taken with consideration of this approach and include individual and social preventive measures.