Early detection of gastric cancer.

Abstract

To see whether investigation of dyspeptic patients aged over 40 after their first consultation with the general practitioner would increase the proportions with early and operable gastric cancers. Prospective study of gastric cancer in dyspeptic patients aged over 40 from a defined population. 10 General practices (six in central Birmingham, four in Sandwell); the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham; and Sandwell District General Hospital. 2659 Patients aged 40 or over referred with dyspepsia. Increase in early and operable gastric cancers detected in middle aged patients with dyspepsia. Disease was identified in 1992 patients (75%). Fifty seven were found to have gastric cancer, 36 being treated by potentially curative resection, including 15 with early cancer. The investigation of dyspeptic patients over 40 at first attendance can increase the proportion of early gastric cancers detected to 26% and the proportion of operable cases to 63%. Such a policy has the potential to reduce mortality from gastric cancer in the population.