Gastric cancer: epidemiology and risk factors.

The incidence of gastric cancer is decreasing and lies between 10 and 15 new cases per 100,000 population per year in most Western countries. Peak age is between 60 and 80 years. While distal gastric cancers account for the overall decrease in gastric cancer, tumors in the proximal stomach (cardia and esophagogastric junction) are on the rise. Recognized risk factors for gastric cancer are infection with Helicobacter pylori, dietary factors (e.g. high intake of salt-preserved foods), smoking, pernicious anemia and a history of partial gastrectomy.