Journal of Cancer Science and Research
Open Access

Study of Clinical Epidemiology of Gastric Cancer as a Global Health Challenge

Jiona Distya^{* *}Correspondence: Jiona Distya, Department of Medical Oncology, Mizoram State Cancer Institute, Zemabawk, Aizawl, Mizoram, India, Email:

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About the Study

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, that originates in the lining of the stomach. This form of cancer typically develops slowly over many years, often beginning with precancerous changes in the stomach lining. Gastric cancer is a major global health concern, representing a considerable portion of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Several factors contribute to the development of gastric cancer, including infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, certain genetic predispositions, smoking, a diet high in salty and smoked foods, and exposure to certain occupational exposures. The disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection challenging. As a result, gastric cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options may be limited. Regular medical check-ups and screenings may also contribute to the early detection and management of gastric cancer. As with many cancers, ongoing research aims to improve our understanding of gastric cancer and develop more effective treatments for this disease. Although its occurrence has decreased over recent decades, particularly in high-income countries, it remains prevalent in certain regions. The highest incidence rates are observed in Eastern Asia, parts of Eastern Europe, and parts of South America.

Risk factors related to gastric cancer

The cause of gastric cancer involves multifaceted interactions between environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors:

Helicobacter pylori infection: Infection with this bacteria is a known to be a major risk factor for gastric cancer. Chronic inflammation made by this bacterium contributes to the development of precancerous injuries, following illness.

Dietary factors: High intake of salty, smoked, and preserved foods, along with low consumption of fruits and vegetables, is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer.

Tobacco and alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are linked to a higher risk of gastric cancer.

Genetic factors: Certain genetic predispositions, such as family groupings and specific gene mutations, play a role in the exposure to gastric cancer.

Gender: Men are generally at a higher risk of developing gastric cancer than women.

Obesity: Overweight individuals, particularly those with excess abdominal fat, may face a higher risk of gastric cancer.

Clinical presentation and diagnosis

The clinical presentation of gastric cancer can vary, often leading to late-stage diagnoses. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, unexplained weight loss, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The methods used for diagnosis have changed to improve early detection and include:

Endoscopy: Direct visualization through endoscopy allows for the examination of the stomach lining and the collection of tissue samples for biopsy.

Imaging techniques: CT scans, MRI, and PET scans help in staging and determining the extent of the disease.

Blood tests: Blood tests may measure levels of certain tumor markers associated with gastric cancer, though these are not definitive for diagnosis and are often used to monitor treatment response.

Staging procedures: In some cases, a laparoscopic procedure may be performed to examine the abdominal cavity and consider for signs of metastasis.

Treatment approaches

The treatment options for gastric cancer involves a multidisciplinary approach, and the choice of treatment depends on the stage and location of the tumor:

Surgery: Surgical removal process remains the primary curative option for early-stage gastric cancer. Techniques like gastrectomy, lymph node dissection, and minimally invasive surgery are employed.

Chemotherapy and radiation: Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy, either alone or in combination, are utilized to reduce the risk of recurrence and to shrink tumors before surgery.

Targeted therapies: Targeted treatments, such as HER2-targeted therapy for HER2-positive gastric cancer, have shown efficacy in specific subsets of patients.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapeutic agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, are being investigated for their potential in advanced gastric cancer treatment.

Clinical epidemiology of gastric cancer

The clinical epidemiology of gastric cancer is continually developing, influenced by several emerging trends and advancements:

Prevention strategies: Efforts to reduce the problem of gastric cancer focus on preventive measures, including vaccination against Helicobacter pylori, public health campaigns to promote healthy dietary habits, and smoking termination programs.

Precision medicine: Advances in genomics and molecular outlining offer the potential for more personalized treatment strategies and targeted therapies based on specific genetic alterations.

Immunotherapy advancements: Ongoing research into immunotherapies is showing promising results, potentially transforming the treatment landscape for advanced gastric cancer.

Screening programs: Implementation of screening programs, particularly in high-risk populations, aims to facilitate early detection and intervention.

Conclusion

Research in clinical epidemiology has revealed several risk factors for gastric cancer, such as infection with Helicobacter pylori, dietary factors, tobacco smoking, and family history. These findings have informed public health approaches and clinical guidelines for screening and prevention. Advances in molecular epidemiology have provided insights into the genetic and molecular basis of gastric cancer, leading to the identification of specific biomarkers that may support in early detection and personalized treatment strategies. Clinical epidemiology also plays an important role in evaluating the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Understanding the real-world outcomes of these treatments helps guide clinical decision-making and improve patient care. In conclusion, it is a multidisciplinary field that leads to our understanding of the disease's patterns, causes, and outcomes. This knowledge is important for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the burden of gastric cancer on individuals and populations. Ongoing research in this area continues to improve our understanding and improve clinical management approaches for gastric cancer.