Recent progress in gastric cancer prevention.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Gastric cancer poses a major global health challenge, evidenced by 19 million disability-adjusted life years lost in 2017.
• The incidence of gastric cancer is projected to rise due to global population growth and aging.
• High worldwide prevalence of treatable Helicobacter pylori infection makes gastric cancer a prime target for global prevention efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in gastric cancer prevention strategies.
• To advocate for a coordinated international initiative to implement population-based H. pylori treatment programs.
• To highlight H. pylori treatment as the leading evidence-based approach for gastric cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on gastric cancer prevention.
• Proposal for phased implementation of H. pylori treatment programs, starting with demonstration projects.
• Discussion of scaling up successful pilot programs for wider population impact.

Main Results:

• Recent progress in gastric cancer prevention has been identified.
• Population-based H. pylori treatment is presented as the most effective current strategy.
• The review supports the feasibility and impact of international, scalable H. pylori eradication programs.

Conclusions:

• Urgent global action is necessary to mitigate the impact of gastric cancer.
• Implementing H. pylori treatment programs is a critical, evidence-based step towards prevention.
• Reducing the significant loss of life and productivity from this preventable cancer requires immediate, concerted efforts.