Decreasing mortality rates for stomach cancer

Source: WHO Mortality Database 2008

Rates of mortality for stomach cancer declined around the world for both men and women between 1995 and 2005. This was true for countries with either a high or low rate of stomach cancer mortality in 1995. In the figure shown below mortality rates for men decreased by more than 20 per cent. Mortality decreased by more than one third in Hungary, England and Wales, and Germany. Mortality rates for stomach cancer were much lower in women compared with men; however the decrease in mortality from the disease was also seen. Rates decreased by one third or more in Kazakhstan, England and Wales, Germany and Hungary.

The decline in stomach cancer mortality appears to be due to a reduction in incidence rather than significant improvements in diagnosis or treatment. The decline in incidence of stomach cancer is likely to have been due partly to an increase in the availability of refrigeration, healthier living conditions, fewer infections (e.g. Heliobacter pylori) and better diets.