The descriptive epidemiology of gastric cancer in Afghanistan: a population-based cancer registry, 2018-2020.

PURPOSE: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a global public health concern; however, studies on detailed epidemiological characteristics within Afghanistan are limited. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence of subtypes of GC in Afghanistan as well as in its eight regions by age and sex. METHODS: We used data from the Kabul Population-based Cancer Registry (KCR) to estimate age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) for cardia GC (CGC) and non-cardia GC (NCGC) in Afghanistan between 2018 and 2020. We also analyzed the ASIRs of GC in the eight regions of the country. RESULTS: The ASIRs of GC in males and females combined were 4.1 (95% CI 3.9–4.3) per 100,000 person-years in 2018–2020, with a male-to-female age-standardized incidence rate ratio (ASIRR) of 2.5. The ASIR of CGC was 2.4, and that of unspecified subsites was 1.6. The ASIR of GC adenocarcinoma was 2.8, whereas that of other types was 0.68. The incidence rate was highest (age-specific incidence rate: 30.2) in patients aged 70–74 years. Among the eight regions of Afghanistan, the GC incidence rate was highest in the Central region (ASIR: 3.8 per 100,000 person-years), followed by the Southeast region (ASIR: 3.5), whereas it was lowest in the Southwest region (ASIR: 0.38). CONCLUSION: This population-based cancer registry study reports the incidence rates of GC for the first time in Afghanistan. These findings demonstrate significant variation in GC epidemiology across Afghanistan’s demographic and geographic settings. The dominance of cardia tumors, male sex, and significant regional differences suggest the need for targeted screening and preventive strategies.