Introduction
Stomach cancer was the sixth commonest cancer in Hong Kong in 2008. It
accounted for 4.3% of all cancer new cases.
New cases
There were 1 058 new cases of stomach cancer in 2008, with 654
cases of males and 404 cases of females. The male to female ratio was about
1.6 to 1. The crude incidence rates were 19.8 for male and 11.0 for female
per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized incidence
rates were 13.2 for male and 6.7 for female per 100 000 standard population. In the past two decades, the age-standardized incidence
rate for both sexes had a downward trend.
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of stomach by sex, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of stomach by sex, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of stomach by sex, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of stomach by sex, 2001-2008
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Notes:
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*
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Age-standardized incidence rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001.
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Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census . |
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Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
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Sources:
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Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health
Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority
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Mortality
Stomach cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong. In 2009, it claimed 656 deaths, accounting for 5.1% of all cancer deaths. The crude death rates were 12.6 for male and 6.5 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized death rates of stomach cancer were 7.9 for male and 3.8 for female per 100 000 standard population. In the past 29 years, the age-standardized death rate for both sexes had a downward trend.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of stomach by sex, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of stomach by sex, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of stomach by sex, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of stomach by sex, 2001-2009
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Notes:
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*
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Age-standardized death rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001.
|
| |
|
Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
| |
|
Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
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Sources:
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Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health |
Classification of diseases and causes of death is based on the International
Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)
10th Revision from 2001 onwards. Figures from 2001 onwards may not be
comparable with figures for previous years which were compiled based on
the ICD 9th Revision. Hence, caution should be exercised when interpreting
the trend of diseases across 2000 and 2001.
Stomach cancer corresponds to codes 151 in ICD-9 and C16 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
People with stomach cancer may have the following symptoms: indigestion,
upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting with blood-stained vomitus, loss
of appetite, weight loss and fatigue may occur.
Risk factors
The causes of stomach cancer are still not fully understood but the risk
of the cancer increases with age. Frequent consumption of smoked and preserved
food may be associated with the cancer. Infection with Helicobacter
pylori will also increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Smoking
may be associated with stomach cancer as well.
Prevention
A balanced diet with plenty
of fruits and vegetables will reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.
One should also reduce consumption of preserved foods and avoid tobacco
smoking. Individuals should seek early medical advice if symptoms are
present.
Related information
The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening under the Cancer Coordinating Committee provides recommendations on preventive measures and screening of major cancers based on a standardised review of scientific evidence. To view the information, please click the following link.
The Department of Health provides Smoking Cessation Services for smokers including Smoking Cessation Hotline and Smoking Cessation Programme. To know more on harmful effects of smoking and tobacco control in Hong Kong, please visit the website of our Tobacco Control Office.
For further information on healthy diet, please visit the website of
the Health Zone and Men's
Health Programme.
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