The statistics were startling. According to Dr. Jessica Bhutada and colleagues, in 2021 a 2% increase in metastatic stomach cancer was reported for minority patients as opposed to their white counterparts. The same held true for comparable age brackets.
Dr. Bhutada is a pediatric oncologist at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
In an interview with Healio, Dr. Bhutada referred to a recent study published in JNCI Cancer spectrum that found young adults and adolescents were reported to have a 3.5% increase in metastatic stomach cancer risk as opposed to non-Hispanic white individuals. This is especially true for Asians and Hispanic people compared to non-Hispanic whites.
Even more disturbingly, Dr. Bhutada said that the team discovered only 4% of patients were alive within five years after their diagnosis of either advanced stage or metastatic disease.
About the Goals
The doctor’s determination led to a study to find out whether stomach cancer can be detected earlier or even prevented entirely. Initially the goal would be a multi-level analysis focusing on individual issues such as being exposed to the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, obesity, and other risk factors in a patient’s home environment. That would include proximity to food markets and access to healthcare.
A preventative strategy used successfully in China for older adults is to test and treat H. pylori. This process successfully reduced stomach cancer in a town in China.
Dr. Bhutada acknowledged that the researchers are aware that Asian people, especially people in Korea and Japan, have a higher risk of stomach cancer. But why would there be a decline in stomach cancer cases of older adults and on the contrary, an increase in cases of stomach cancer in younger adults?
Dr. Bhutada indicated that different immigration patterns may be partly responsible as well as certain populations having different genetic risk factors as opposed to people born in the United States. The doctor further suggests that older adults would more likely have insurance coverage and expedite the necessary tests. Testing can be easily put off by ignoring common symptoms such as heartburn or stomach pains. It does not occur to people, and even some doctors, that these may be symptoms of cancer and deserve closer scrutiny.
When asked if she sees a way to slow or prevent the increase of stomach cancer in young adults, the doctor replied that diet may be one avenue, but it is still too early to speculate about risk factors.
About the Timeline
Dr. Bhutada said that the team anticipates having a portion of publishable results in 6-12 months. She also said that the team is in the process of identifying Los Angeles hot spots. The doctor expressed their intention to partner with communities in those areas and propose preventative measures.
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Last modified: October 22, 2024
