Clinical epidemiology of gastric cancer

Abstract

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and the fourth most common cancer globally. There are, however, distinct differences in incidence rates in different geographic regions. While the incidence rate of gastric cancer has been falling, that of gastric cardia cancers is reportedly on the rise in some regions. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major risk factor of non-cardia gastric cancer, and data has emerged concerning the role of H. pylori eradication for primary prevention of gastric cancer. Dietary, lifestyle and metabolic factors have also been implicated. Although addressing these other factors may contribute to health, the actual impact in terms of cancer prevention is unclear. Once irreversible histological changes have occurred, endoscopic surveillance would be necessary. A molecular classification system offers hope for molecularly tailored, personalised therapies for gastric cancer, which may improve the prognosis for patients.

Fig. 1

Graph shows the estimated gastric cancer age-standardised incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 (reproduced from http://globocan.iarc.fr/(2))

Fig. 2

Graph shows the trends in incidence of stomach cancer in selected countries: age-standardised rate per 100,000 men (reproduced from http://globocan.iarc.fr/(2))

Fig. 3

Graph shows the trends in mortality from stomach cancer in selected countries: age-standardised rate per 100,000 men (reproduced from http://globocan.iarc.fr/(2))