Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. The incidence and mortality rate of GC vary among different countries. It is suggested that GC is the result of the interaction between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the genetic and environmental factors in the host. H. pylori infection is the trigger of intestinal gastric adenocarcinoma. The incidence of GC is highest in East Asia and East Europe, but much lower in Africa; however, H. pylori infection is commonly seen in Africa, which is known as the African enigma. The 5-year survival of early GC is far better than that of advanced GC. A high detection rate of early GC could help us to conquer GC. A decreasing trend of GC incidence has been witnessed worldwide. With the improvement of living conditions and the achievements of scientific research, it seems possible that there will be a further reduction in the incidence of GC in the new century.
© 2012 The Authors. Journal of Digestive Diseases © 2012 Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.