Epidemiological Trends and Future Perspectives of Gastric Cancer in Eastern Asia

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The global epidemiological situation of gastric cancer has changed considerably over time, and it is essential to understand the epidemiological trends and future perspectives of gastric cancer. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Although gastric cancer was common in the United States less than a century previously, it is no longer common in this country. Currently, over 60% of gastric cancers are found in Eastern Asia. In some Eastern Asian countries such as Japan and Korea, population-based gastric cancer screening has been conducted using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or radiography to lower gastric cancer mortality. Due to earlier detection of gastric cancer, the survival of patients with gastric cancer is more favorable in these countries than in other Western countries. Even in Eastern Asia, a remarkable decrease in the age-standardized incidence and mortality of gastric cancer has been observed. This downward trend is mainly due to the reduced <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection, and this trend is considered to continue. Nevertheless, both the absolute number of incident cases and deaths of gastric cancer are still increasing at present due to the aging population. For the time being, the management of gastric cancer in elderly population is a critical issue in Eastern Asia. The absolute numbers of gastric cancer cases and deaths are believed to peak in the near future, following the decreasing age-standardized incidence and mortality. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> After a long period, gastric cancer may become a rare cancer even in Eastern Asia, and new efficient approaches for its prevention, screening, and treatment are warranted.