The Prevalence of Stomach Cancer in People under 40 Has Increased Significantly

Stomach cancer: significant increase in the number of people under 40.

Table of Contents

1 Stomach cancer: significant increase in the number of people under 40.
2 Prevention guidelines must be reviewed
- - 2.0.1 References
  - 2.0.2 Articles you may like:

In the USA, Canada, UK, Colombia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, India, and many other countries, the incidence of stomach cancer in people under the age of 40 has increased significantly.

Stages of Stomach Cancer, Courtesy of Cancer Research UK

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, initially develops from an initially normal parietal cell (a cell in the lining of the stomach) that multiplies uncontrollably to form a malignant tumour. Gastric cancer is a slow-growing type of cancer that is rare in people under the age of 50. However, this trend may be changing, as a recent study published in JAMA shows that “in many countries, the incidence of stomach cancer has increased in people under 40 years of age”.

Prevention guidelines must be reviewed

A total of 1 033 701 new cases of stomach cancer and 782 685 related deaths were detected in 2018, the researchers say. The prognosis for this cancer is “grim”, as in most cases by the time of the diagnosis of gastric cancer it has already spread to other organs (Pancreas, colon, intestines) making its treatment extremely difficult. “These results suggest that prevention of gastric cancer should be a priority in clinical guidelines and policy programs to improve associated morbidity and mortality, particularly in younger populations.”

However, the researchers point out that this cancer’s incidence continues to decline in Europe and worldwide. Reducing smoking and salt intake are factors that reduce the incidence of gastric cancer. “Future studies need to investigate why the incidence of gastric cancer has increased among young people,” the researchers conclude.