Published online Apr 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i16.4483
Revised: January 26, 2014
Accepted: February 17, 2014
Published online: April 28, 2014
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world with more than 70% of cases occur in the developing world. More than 50% of cases occur in Eastern Asia. GC is the second leading cause of cancer death in both sexes worldwide. In Asia, GC is the third most common cancer after breast and lung and is the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Although the incidence and mortality rates are slowly declining in many countries of Asia, GC still remains a significant public health problem. The incidence and mortality varies according to the geographic area in Asia. These variations are closely related to the prevalence of GC risk factors; especially Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its molecular virulent characteristics. The gradual and consistent improvements in socioeconomic conditions in Asia have lowered the H. pylori seroprevalence rates leading to a reduction in the GC incidence. However, GC remains a significant public health and an economic burden in Asia. There has been no recent systemic review of GC incidence, mortality, and H. pylori molecular epidemiology in Asia. The aim of this report is to review the GC incidence, mortality, and linkage to H. pylori in Asia.
Core tip: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in Asia. Highest incidence rates are observed in Eastern Asia and varies in other parts of Asia. Mortality rates are slowly declining but remain a significant public health problem. The seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori is very closely related to the incidence of GC in Asia. In contrast to Western world, management of GC is focused on prevention and early detection in Eastern Asia.