Heterogeneity of subjects in case‐control studies. Exposed, exposed to Helicobacter pylori; GA+, gastric atrophy positive; HP–, H. pylori negative; HP+, H. pylori positive; Rel, H. pylori‐related gastric cancer; Unexposed, unexposed to H. pylori; Unrel, H. pylori‐unrelated gastric cancer. In this case‐control study, the average percentages of the targeted genotype for mixed cases and heterogeneous controls were measured.