In this review, we conducted a deep analysis of the epidemiology of gastric carcinoma. As the conclusion of this study, we could find that there has been a steady decline in the incidence of gastric carcinogenesis in most societies. However, we could also conclude that there has existed a mild increase in the incidence of lower esophagus and cardia adenocarcinoma in White male societies. Although Helicobacter pylori infection is suggested to be the primary risk factor of gastric carcinogenesis in Asian countries, it accounts for less than half the cases in Western society. Still, the roles of dietary constituents, as salt and nitrites and the beneficial effects of a high fruit and vegetable diet are yet to be more specifically analyzed. (Cancer Prev Res 12, 143-153, 2007)

Keywords: Gastric cancer, Epidemiology, Diet, Helicobacter pylori