Survival rates for stomach cancer according to stage, gender, age, and ethnicity
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, claimed around 768,000 lives worldwide in 2020. This disease has a significant impact on various demographic groups, particularly in the United States, where its prevalence varies among different racial and ethnic populations.
According to data from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database, the 5-year relative survival rate for stomach cancer in non-Hispanic White individuals is 38.0%, while it is higher for non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (18.3%) and non-Hispanic Black (39.7%). Remarkably, the survival rate for non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander is relatively low at 2.5%.
The SEER database divides cancers into three stages: localized, regional, and distant. The survival rate for stomach cancer with an unknown stage is 38.8%, but for those with a known stage, the rates differ significantly.
When it comes to regional stages, both females and males have higher survival rates compared to distant stages. For regional stages, the survival rates are 32.9% for the overall population, with females having a slightly higher rate of 33.2% and males at 32.7%. In contrast, the survival rate for distant stages is 6.2% for both females and males.
The localized stage shows the most promising survival rates, with 72% for the overall population. For females, the rate is even higher at 76.6%, while for males, it is 68.1%.
The key factors influencing survival rates for different stages of stomach cancer include age, TNM stage, tumor size, depth of invasion, and lymph node metastasis. These factors strongly affect the prognosis and survival outcomes of patients with gastric cancer.
Specifically, the TNM stage is the most critical factor, where early-stage stomach cancer (stage I/II) patients have significantly higher survival rates compared to advanced stages. Early stages can have 5-year survival rates up to 70%, whereas advanced stages with spread to lymph nodes or distant organs show lower rates between 5% and 20%.
Other factors that impact survival include the presence and extent of lymph node involvement, tumor size and depth of invasion, age, and additional treatment factors such as postoperative adjuvant therapies, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, extent of gastric resection, and postoperative complications.
Recent studies emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary and individualized treatment plans to improve survival and quality of life. Advancements in surgical techniques and adjuvant treatments since around 2007 have contributed to improved survival trends, although data show some variability.
In summary, survival rates in stomach cancer depend heavily on clinical stage (especially lymph node involvement), tumor characteristics, patient age, and treatment factors. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are key for better outcomes.
It is important to note that stomach cancer is more common in Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. Approximately 6 in 10 people with a stomach cancer diagnosis are over 65. The average age at diagnosis for stomach cancer is 68, and the rates of stomach cancer are lowest for individuals over 75.
The development of advanced diagnostic methods and genetic tests may lead to earlier diagnoses of stomach cancer, potentially improving survival rates even further. As research continues, it is hoped that more effective treatments and prevention strategies will be developed to combat this disease.
- Stomach cancer, particularly in the United States, has disparate prevalence across racial and ethnic populations, with Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian/Pacific Islanders being more affected.
- The SEER database reveals that the survival rate for stomach cancer in non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic Black individuals is higher compared to non-Hispanic White individuals, while it is relatively low for non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islanders.
- Chronic diseases, such as stomach cancer, require continuous attention to mental health, as the stress associated with managing medical conditions can lead to mental health issues, especially among racial and ethnic minorities, such as Hispanics.
- The impact of unaddressed mental health issues among Hispanics and other cultural groups can perpetuate health disparities, given that the overall health and wellness of these demographics are affected by both chronic conditions like stomach cancer and mental health problems.
- As part of comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment plans for chronic diseases like stomach cancer, researchers emphasize the importance of addressing the mental health of patients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds to improve the quality of life and overall health outcomes.
