Cancers at a glance

Click the cancer types below to view the latest key facts on trends in new cases, deaths and survival in NSW.

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In depth cancer reports

For detailed data and analysis, please see the latest cancer reports published by the Cancer Institute

Cancer in NSW: Incidence and Mortality 2008

Other cancer reports

Online cancer statistics

Run detailed and customised reports on specific cancers, with comparisons on age, genders and geography:

Online statistics module

Stomach cancer

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Stomach cancer accounts for 1.8 per cent of all new cancer in NSW and 3.6 per cent of cancer deaths.

At a glance

2008 statistics Men Women All People
Cases Rate Trend Cases Rate Trend Cases Rate
New cases 415 11.7 positive trend downwards 22.1 252 5.9 positive trend downwards 10.9 667 8.6
Deaths 297 8.5 positive trend downwards 24.2 183 4.1 icon-trend-static.png 480 6.1
Relative survival
(5 year)		 31% icon-trend-static.png 1% 31% unchanged -

icon-trend-static.png No statistically significant change.

  • Stomach cancer is the 15th most common cancer and the 11th most common cause of cancer death in NSW
  • One in 61 males and one in 123 females will develop stomach cancer by the age of 85
  • Overall, the five-year survival is 31 per cent in males and 31 per cent in females. Survival is 53.3 per cent when the disease is localised at diagnosis.

Cases refers to the number of people with the disease; Rate means cases per 100,000 people (age standardised); Trend means the change in the rate over 10 years.

Historical trends

New cases

Age-standardised incidence, NSW

stomach-incidence.png

Deaths

Age-standardised mortality, NSW

stomach-mortality.png

 

Risk factors

  • A common stomach germ (H. pylori) is recognised as the primary cause of stomach cancer.
  • Tobacco smoking is strongly associated with stomach cancer.
  • Diets high in salt, smoked foods, red meat, processed meats and heavily grilled or barbecued meats, or poorly refrigerated food are at higher risk.
  • Obesity and a high caloric consumption increase the risk.
  • Gastric stomach ulcer disease may be associated with increased risk.

 

Prevention

Around $6.5 million was spent on research into upper gastrointestinal cancer, including stomach cancer, between 2007 and 2009.

Detection and screening

There is no screening test for stomach cancer. If symptoms occur, they may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, however, these symptoms are also associated with more common health problems that are not cancer.

Tests to diagnose stomach cancer include physical examination by a cancer specialist, x-rays and an endoscope, which looks directly into the stomach.

Research

Avoidance of tobacco smoking is a protective factor against stomach cancer. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, in particular garlic and onions, may also be protective factors.

In 2009-10, the NSW Government spent $14.8 million on mass media cancer prevention campaigns to promote health lifestyles and reduce tobacco smoking.

Data sources:

  1. Cancer In NSW, Incidence and Mortality Report 2008. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, August 2010.
  2. Cancer Research in NSW 2007-2009. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW. March 2011.
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