Purpose of review: Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, the primary risk factor for gastric cancer, is declining globally. Paralleling this trend, gastric cancer incidence is also decreasing. Historically, the populations most affected by this neoplasia have been males, Asians, and groups with low socioeconomic status. This review provides an update on recently published literature regarding changes in gastric cancer epidemiology.
Recent findings: Gastric cancer incidence trends vary by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and tumor anatomical location. Overall incidence appears to be leveling off among young birth cohorts in Western populations, where H. pylori has declined considerably. The changes are more prominent for females and for tumors arising beyond the esophageal-gastric junction. The classical incidence pattern of gastric cancer is evolving. While uncertain, several hypotheses may explain the changing burden of disease. The mix of gastric cancer risk factors appears to be shifting, with H. pylori no longer the sole etiological driver. These changes may eliminate the previous predilection of males and lead to increases in overall gastric cancer rates. Analytical studies addressing known and novel factors related to major societal transitions may provide clues to understanding re-emergence of this serious public health problem.
Keywords: Autoimmune gastritis; Gastric cancer epidemiology; Helicobacter pylori; Incidence trends.