The stratification of gastric cancer risk in Latin America

摘要

Gastric adenocarcinoma is the leading global cause ofinfection-related cancer mortality and the second leadingcause of cancer death.1,2 Globally, gastric cancer demonstrates a marked geographic variability, highlighted by the‘‘African enigma’’ and the ‘‘Asian enigma’’. After eastern Asia, Latin America leads with a significant burden ofdisease, a phenomenon observed despite significant underreporting in many regions.3,4 The mortality-to-incidenceratio of 0.82, double that of Japan, underscores the needfor improved cancer control. There is also an importantgeographic variability within the hemisphere, with a relative concentration of disease in the mountainous regions ofthe Pacific litoral.5 The ‘‘altitude enigma’’ of gastric cancerin Latin America may provide the opportunity for scientificdiscovery and targeted prevention programs.