Gastric carcinoma in the west indies: A trinidad study

Abstract

Gastric carcinoma, the commonest cause of death from malignant disease in Trinidad, has decreased steadily over the period 1968–1977. Of the 1052 deaths during this time, females accounted for a relatively high percentage (45%) of cases. There is a predominance of antral tumors, and most cases present with very advanced disease (88% with Stage III & IV). This results in a low resectability rate (32%). Its racial predilection for blacks of the lower income group suggests that both genetic and environmental factors may be important. The possible role of dietary factors is discussed. Cancer 56: 2117‐2119, 1985. Copyright © 1985 American Cancer Society