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Sex and Gender Differences in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review
Nerea Escandell Marí1, Marta Sánchez-Ric2, Marina Velez2
1Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), c. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Gastric cancer incidence is higher in men, but women may have better survival rates. Understanding sex and gender differences is crucial for personalized gastric cancer treatment and improving healthcare equity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gastric cancer represents a significant global health challenge.
- Existing data on sex and gender differences in gastric cancer are inconsistent.
- Addressing these disparities is vital for achieving healthcare equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review sex and gender differences in gastric cancer.
- To explore variations in incidence, characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and survival.
- To inform personalized medicine approaches for gastric cancer.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) in February 2026.
- PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed for study selection.
- Qualitative synthesis of 38 studies involving over 500,000 participants.
Main Results:
- Men exhibited higher gastric cancer incidence, with more intestinal and well-differentiated tumors.
- Women showed a higher prevalence of diffuse and poorly differentiated tumors.
- Men had increased rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and postoperative complications; women generally had better overall survival, particularly in early stages.
Conclusions:
- Significant sex and gender disparities exist in gastric cancer.
- Incorporating these variables into research is essential for advancing personalized gastric cancer care.
- Limitations include study heterogeneity and reliance on retrospective observational data.
