Higher Noncardia Gastric Cancer Risk Occurs Earlier in Hispanic and Asian Populations

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Noncardia gastric cancer (GC) incidence varies significantly by race and ethnicity in the U.S.
• Current age-adjusted data do not pinpoint when high-risk groups reach critical disease levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze age-specific incidence of noncardia GC across racial/ethnic and Asian ancestry groups.
• To compare the timing and magnitude of risk relative to non-Hispanic White (NHW) populations.

Main Methods:

• Population-based analysis of noncardia GC incidence in California and New York (2010-2022).
• Estimation of age-specific rates for NHW, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander populations, including specific Asian subgroups.
• Calculation of rate ratios relative to NHW populations and identification of age of risk onset.

Main Results:

• Incidence of noncardia GC increased with age and was consistently higher in Hispanic and Asian populations than in NHW populations.
• Significant heterogeneity in risk was observed among Asian ancestries, with Korean individuals showing a rate ratio of 12.04 at ages 60-69.
• Several Asian populations reached the incidence levels seen in NHW adults aged 60-69 up to two decades earlier.

Conclusions:

• Age-specific noncardia GC incidence is elevated in Hispanic and Asian populations, with notable variations within Asian ancestries.
• A shift in risk distribution is evident, with significant incidence occurring at younger ages in higher-risk groups.
• Findings support earlier, risk-based prevention strategies and improved risk assessment informed by age-specific patterns.