Epidemiology of Gastric Cancer-Changing Trends and Global Disparities

Simple Summary In overall terms, the incidence and mortality of gastric cncer have substantially decreased over the past century, attributable to decreases in risk factors such as H. pylori infection, tobacco smoking, and the intake of salt-preserved food. Nevertheless, obesity is ongoing and may result in an increase in cardia cancer, particularly in Western populations. Careful monitoring of this outcome is warranted in both Western and Asian populations.Abstract Overall, the past century has seen a substantial decline in gastric cancer, attributable to decreases in risk factors such as H. pylori infection, tobacco smoking, and the intake of salt-preserved food. One potential preventive strategy for those at high risk is H. pylori eradication for infected subjects, but confirmation of this effect awaits longer follow-up. Obesity continues to advance and may cause increases in cardia cancer, particularly in Western populations, and careful monitoring of this outcome is warranted in both Western and Asian populations. These changes in gastric cancer epidemiology foreshadow a new era in gastric cancer control and warrant further monitoring of descriptive patterns and risk factors.