Esophageal and gastric carcinoma in Norway 1958-1992: Incidence time trend variability according to morphological subtypes and organ subsites

Abstract

The occurrence of adenocarcinoma (AC) of the esophagus and gastric cardia has shown large increases in many but not all examined populations. This trend is in contrast with a decrease in distal gastric AC and a relative stability of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Our study aimed to describe esophageal and gastric carcinoma time trends in the Norwegian population between 1958 and 1992 based on data from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Estimated esophageal AC rates have accelerated over the study period, reaching average annual increases of 17% in men and 14% in women between 1983 and 1992. The occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was relatively stable in both sexes. Proximal gastric cancer rates were stable in males and decreased somewhat in females. Distal gastric tumors showed decreases in both sexes, but were more pronounced in females. The strong increase in esophageal AC incidence parallels similar increases in the United States and some other countries. Although the observed increase may be explained to some extent by a shift in the classification of esophago-cardial adenocarcinomas, the figures are compatible with a real increase. AC of the esophagus, the proximal stomach and the distal stomach exhibit different epidemiological features, both in terms of sex ratios and time trends, suggesting risk factor differences between the subsites. Int.

Trends in oesophageal cancer incidence and mortality in Europe

“…Both are directly related to tobacco smoking, but only squamous-cell cancer to alcohol drinking, while adenocarcinoma risk is increased by overweight, obesity, lack of physical activity and gastro-oesophageal reflux. [19][20][21][22][23] Following the increased prevalence of overweight and inactivity in North America 24,25 and northern Europe, [26][27][28] increases in oesophageal adenocarcinoma have been reported in recent periods. At least part of the unfavourable trends in Denmark, the Netherlands, Scotland and other northern European countries are due to increased incidence of adenocarcinoma.…”

“…At least part of the unfavourable trends in Denmark, the Netherlands, Scotland and other northern European countries are due to increased incidence of adenocarcinoma. [26][27][28][29][30] The role of other risk factors on oesophageal cancer mortality on a national level is smaller than that of tobacco and alcohol, and remains largely unquantified. Some aspects of diet and nutrition, such as low fruit and vegetable consumption, have been directly related to the risk of oesophageal cancer 31,32 and may account for a non negligible fraction of oesophageal cancers in some European populations.…”

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: incidence, characteristics, and treatment strategies

“…The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction (AEG) is dramatically increasing in Western countries [1][2][3]. Moreover, in many Western countries, the incidence of AEG is increasing more rapidly than that of any other type of neoplasm [4].…”

Epidemiology of gastroenterologic cancer in Henan Province, China

“…China is one of the countries with the highest esophageal cancer and gastric cancer risk over the past century which is still the leading cause of deaths worldwide [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] . The aim of this study was to estimate the mortality of digestive tract cancers in Henan Province.…”