Gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori infection and other risk factors

• 作 者: Lorenzo Fuccio Leonardo Henry Eusebi Franco Bazzoli
• 机 构: Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna,
• 出 处: World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
• 发表日期: 2004年期
• 关键词: identif cardia surveillance neoplastic metaplasia incidence mortality prevention

Gastric cancer incidence is declining. However, it is too early to consider this neoplastic disease as rare and the worldwide mortality rate still remains high. Several risk factors have been identif ied for non-cardia gastric cancer and primary prevention is feasible since most of the risk factors can be removed. Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment reduces but does not abolish gastric cancer risk. Indeed, gastric cancer is a multifactorial disease and removing one factor does not therefore prevent all cases. Endoscopic surveillance is still needed, especially in subjects at higher risk. The def inition of high-risk patients will be the future challenge as well as identifying the best surveillance strategy for such patients.

However, it is too early early to consider this neoplastic disease as rare and the worldwide mortality rate still remains high. Several risk factors have been identified for non-cardia gastric cancer and primary prevention is possible since most of the risk factors can be removed. Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment reduces but does not abolish gastric cancer risk. Indeed, gastric cancer is a multifactorial disease and removing one factor does not prevent all cases. The def inition of high-risk patients will be the future challenge as well as identifying the best surveillance strategy for such patients.