Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a malignant tumor that develops in the stomach lining. It's the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer globally. Stomach cancer occurs worldwide, but certain nations experience significantly higher occurrences than others. Here are 5 such countries (and why)
MongoliaWhy Mongolia Tops the List:
Stomach cancer has the highest age-standardised incidence rate in the world in Mongolia, at 35.5 per 100,000 people according to 2022 data. The age-standardised incidence rate in male populations reaches 53.0 per 100,000 people. The reasons behind this high incidence include:
Traditional Mongolian diets consist of salted and smoked foods which increase stomach cancer risk.
High levels of Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection exist in the population, and this bacterium is known to cause stomach cancer.
Limited Healthcare Access: Early detection programs are less developed, leading to late diagnosis.
JapanWhy Japan Has High Rates:
Japan reported an age-standardised incidence rate of 27.6 per 100,000 people in 2022, with 126,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The country continues to be among the regions most affected by stomach cancer.
The traditional consumption of salty pickled and smoked foods in Japan's diet has historically elevated stomach cancer risk.
Japan’s large elderly population drives up cancer statistics, because stomach cancer affects older people more frequently.
High Helicobacter pylori Infection: Despite public health efforts, this infection remains widespread.
The implementation of stomach cancer screening programs in Japan allows for higher detection rates, which reveals the actual prevalence of the disease.
South KoreaSouth Korea’s Standing:
The country recorded 27.0 cases per 100,000 people in 2022 and reported approximately 29,000 new cases which makes it rank third.
Intense Screening Programs: South Korea also has national cancer screening, which detects more cases.
Traditional Korean foods containing salt, along with fermented ingredients may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Helicobacter pylori: Infection rates are a contributing factor.
Better healthcare accessibility in South Korea results in more diagnosed cases of stomach cancer, but the risk factors continue to drive high incidence rates.
IranWhy Iran is on the List:
The age-standardised rate of stomach cancer in Iran stands at 19.4 cases per 100,000 people, above what Western nations typically experience.
The combination of salted smoked foods and inadequate consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, in the population.
Helicobacter pylori Infection: High infection prevalence is a key risk factor.
Geographic Factors: Certain regions have higher rates due to environmental factors.
The availability of preventive healthcare is restricted in this area because screening and early detection services are not as widespread, as in Eastern Asian countries.
TajikistanTajikistan’s Stomach Cancer Rate:
The age-standardised rate in Tajikistan equals 19.4 cases per 100,000 which corresponds to the Iranian rate.
The people of this area follow a similar dietary pattern which includes salted and preserved foods.
Helicobacter pylori Prevalence: High infection rates contribute.
Socioeconomic Factors: Limited healthcare access and awareness reduce early diagnoses.
Environmental Exposure: Possible exposure to carcinogens in some rural areas.
Why These Countries Have High RatesThe following elements consistently lead to elevated stomach cancer rates in these specific regions:
Stomach cancer risk increases when people consume diets with high amounts of salted and smoked and preserved foods, because these foods damage the stomach lining and lead to infections.
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori produces chronic stomach inflammation which functions as a worldwide leading cause of stomach cancer. This bacterium shows high prevalence rates in Asia together with Central Asia.
Men develop stomach cancer at a rate that is roughly twice as high as women do, and the risk of stomach cancer grows more significant with age. These countries generally have older populations facing higher risks.
The reported incidence rates in countries with advanced screening programs become higher due to early case detection, but such programs also help improve survival rates.
The geographical presence of carcinogens in the environment, together with specific genetic traits in certain areas, raises the risk of stomach cancer, which is early detection is crucial.
Other Parts of the World Show Lower Rates of This DiseaseNorth American and Northern European countries, together with parts of Africa experience stomach cancer at rates lower than 3 cases per 100,000 population. These regions tend to have:
Lower Helicobacter pylori infection rates.
People from these regions eat healthier food that contains less preserved products.
Better sanitation and healthcare systems.
More effective cancer prevention programs.
Sources: World Cancer Research Fund 2022-2025 Stomach Cancer Statistics
PubMed Central research
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