Stomach cancer in various age groups (Japan) as detected by gastric mass survey.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In order to determine the characteristics of stomach cancer in the elderly, statistical analyses were made of 2,366 cases found in a gastric mass survey (group 1) and 194 cases found among 9.196 persons over age 40 observed during 13 years (group 2). For group 1, the average annual incidence of stomach cancer per 100,000 persons by age, and the death rate by age, increased as age advanced. The average annual incidence was 0.19 percent over 18 years and there were almost no changes in the detection rate. For group 2, the death rate per 10,000 persons in the examined group was significantly lower than in the non‐examined group, especially for persons in their 50's or 60's. However, there were no differences in the death rate for persons in their 40's, 70's, and beyond. The rate for surgical resection of cancer and the incidence of early stomach cancer were lower in the elderly; the 5‐year relative survival rate was poor. Thus, the clinical characteristics of stomach cancer in the elderly include the following aspects: 1) in mass surveys, the incidence of stomach cancer is highest in the elderly, especially for men; 2) many cases of stomach cancer are advanced or inoperable; and 3) most of these patients do not undergo examination until they become aware of symptoms related to cancer.