Research Focus on Gastric Cancer

This book presents important leading-edge research on stomach cancer. Stomach cancer (also called "gastric cancer") is the growth of cancer cells in the lining and wall of the stomach. Stomach cancer represents roughly 2% (25,500) cases of all new cancer cases yearly in the United States, but it is much more common in Japan, Great Britain, South America, and Iceland. It is associated with high salt in the diet, smoking, and low intake of fruits and vegetables. Infection with H. pylori is the main risk factor in about 80% or more of gastric cancers. It is more common in men. A very small percentage of diffuse-type gastric cancers are thought to be genetic. Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) has only recently been identified and research is ongoing, but genetic testing and treatment options are available for families at risk. Metastasis occurs in 80-90% of individuals with stomach cancer, with a five year survival rate of 75% in those diagnosed in early stages and less than 30% of those diagnosed in late stages.