[Gastric cancer in Lima].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer worldwide, disproportionately affecting Eastern Europe and Latin America.
• Peru exhibits high and increasing incidence and mortality rates for gastric cancer, classifying it as a high-risk area.
• In 2002, gastric cancer represented 8.6% of all new cancer cases globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence and mortality trends of gastric cancer in Peru.
• To investigate the geographical and socioeconomic distribution of gastric cancer within Metropolitan Lima.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of gastric cancer incidence and mortality data in Peru.
• Geographical mapping of gastric cancer cases in Metropolitan Lima.
• Correlation analysis between socioeconomic levels and cancer incidence in different districts.

Main Results:

• Gastric cancer incidence in Peru increased between 1990-1997, with rates of 24.3/100,000 (men) and 17.6/100,000 (women).
• Mortality rates are 19.3/100,000 (men) and 14.2/100,000 (women).
• Highest incidence rates in Metropolitan Lima are concentrated in medium-low socioeconomic districts (e.g., Puente Piedra, Lince), while high socioeconomic districts (e.g., San Isidro, Miraflores) show the lowest rates.

Conclusions:

• Peru is identified as a high-risk region for gastric cancer.
• Socioeconomic factors significantly influence gastric cancer incidence in Metropolitan Lima.
• Targeted public health interventions may be necessary for high-risk districts.