Health Inequity of Stage and Survival of Gastric Cancer in California.

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant health burden in the U.S, particularly among ethnic minorities. We identified patient-level risk factors contributing to advanced-stage (AS) diagnosis and poor survival to guide strategies to address GC-related health disparities.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 18,396 histologically confirmed GC cases (4102 early-stage (ES) and 14,294 AS) diagnosed between 2000 and 2019, using data from the California Cancer Registry linked to the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Eligible cases were adults age ≥ 18 with complete diagnostic and follow-up data. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of AS-GC and five-year disease-specific (DSS) and overall-survival (OS) outcomes. Analyses were further stratified by Asian and Hispanic subgroups.

Results

Korean heritage was the strongest predictor of ES-GC [OR 0.58 (95% CI, 0.47-0.71), p < 0.001] and was independently associated with the lowest GC-specific mortality risk [HR 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67-0.80), p < 0.0001]. The youngest age group (18-44 years) had the highest AS-GC rate (91.4%). Asian ethnicity, receipt of care at NCI-designated cancer centers, and prior upper endoscopy were associated with improved OS and DSS. In contrast, comorbidities such as GERD, diabetes, liver disease, smoking and alcohol abuse, and older age ≥ 75, U.S.-birth, and rural residence were linked to worse outcomes.

Conclusions

Distinct demographic, clinical, and healthcare access factors contribute to disparities in GC outcomes. These findings support the development of culturally tailored early-detection programs, and risk-based screening for GC care, particularly in vulnerable populations.