Overview of epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, and risk factors of gastric cancer in Asia-Pacific region

In spite of decreasing the overall incidence of gastric cancer (GC), it remains one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. The incidence and mortality rate of GC is very different in the world. Geographical differentiation is one of the most distinctive characteristics of GC. Effective prevention and early diagnostic strategies are the most important public health interventions in GC, as a common malignancy worldwide. Notably, the preventive strategies require understanding the risk factors associated with GC for identifying high-risk groups that may require screening for prevention. Therefore, up-to-date statistics on GC occurrence and outcome are essential for the primary prevention of the disease. We conducted this review based on the current epidemiology knowledge of GC to provide an update perspective of GC in Asia-Pacific region. Based on the findings of this study, incidence and mortality rate of GC in Asia-Pacific region shows a great heterogeneity. Gastric carcinogenesis arises as a consequence of a complex interaction between host and environmental factors. In addition to screening and eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, it seems that the main cause of GC is an undesirable lifestyle in this region. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the lifestyle and the community awareness about GC risk factors and healthy lifestyle education.