Optimizing Outcomes in Advanced/Metastatic Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (aka stomach cancer) develops when cells in the stomach grow and divide abnormally¹. While occurrence of gastric cancer has declined over the past 2 decades, it remains the 5th most prevalent cancer worldwide². The most common type of gastric cancer is adenocarcinoma, which begins in the inner lining of the stomach¹.

Risk factors for gastric cancer may include H. pylori infections, other medical conditions (such as gastritis, obesity, and gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]), genetics and family history, diet, tobacco use, and environmental/occupational exposures².

Stomach cancer is most often advanced at diagnosis. Advanced stages mean the cancer can be treated but is rarely cured. Five-year survival rates differ based on location of the cancer. For localized gastric cancer (meaning it is still within the stomach) the survival rate is 75%; for regional and metastatic cancer it is 35% and 7% respectively³.

The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) has developed an initiative titled, Optimizing Outcomes in Advanced/Metastatic Gastric Cancer to support health care providers in applying evidence-based treatment selection for patients with advanced/metastatic gastric cancer.

For more information on this project, please contact the ACCC Provider Education department.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. National Cancer Institute. What is stomach cancer? Accessed October 23, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach
2. National Institutes of Health. National Cancer Institute. Causes of stomach cancer. May 31, 2023. Accessed October 23, 2023. cancer.gov/types/stomach/causes-risk-factors
3. National Institutes of Health. National Cancer Institute. Stomach cancer survival rates and prognosis. May 31, 2023. Accessed October 23, 2023.   www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/survival