Researchers looked at stomach cancer in people aged 70 and older around the world from 1990 to 2021. While the rate of new cases per person has actually gone down, the total number of cases increased because the population is aging. Men are affected more than women, and the problem is biggest in certain regions. Two main risk factors stood out: eating too much salty food and smoking. The study shows that even though treatments are improving, stomach cancer remains a serious health challenge for older adults, especially in some parts of the world.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How common stomach cancer is in people 70 and older, how many people are dying from it, and what causes it
  • Who participated: This wasn’t a traditional study with volunteers. Instead, researchers analyzed health data from 204 countries and territories collected between 1990 and 2021
  • Key finding: The number of stomach cancer cases in seniors went up 25% overall, but when you account for population growth, the actual risk per person went down by about 1.2% per year
  • What it means for you: If you’re over 70, your individual risk of getting stomach cancer has slightly improved over the past 30 years, but because more people are living longer, more total cases exist. Avoiding salty foods and not smoking can help reduce your risk

The Research Details

This study didn’t involve recruiting patients or doing experiments. Instead, researchers used the Global Burden of Disease database, which is like a giant health encyclopedia covering 371 different diseases and 88 risk factors across the entire world. They looked at stomach cancer specifically in people aged 70 and older, tracking how many new cases appeared each year and how many people died from it.

The researchers organized the data by sex (male and female), age groups (70-79, 80-89, 90+), geographic regions, and countries. They also looked at how wealthy different regions were, since wealthier areas sometimes have different disease patterns. They calculated how much the rates changed each year from 1990 to 2021, and they identified which risk factors (like diet and smoking) contributed most to the disease burden.

This approach is powerful because it uses real-world health data from nearly every country, giving us a true global picture rather than just information from one hospital or region. By tracking changes over 31 years, researchers can see whether stomach cancer is becoming more or less common. Understanding which risk factors matter most helps doctors and public health officials focus prevention efforts where they’ll help the most people.

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease project, which is one of the most comprehensive health databases in the world. The strength is that it covers many countries and a long time period. However, the quality of data depends on how well each country reports its health information, so some regions may have more accurate numbers than others. The study is observational, meaning it shows patterns and trends but can’t prove that one thing directly causes another.

What the Results Show

From 1990 to 2021, the total number of new stomach cancer cases in people 70 and older increased by about 25%. However, this doesn’t mean people are getting stomach cancer more often—it mainly reflects that more people are living to age 70. When researchers looked at the actual rate (cases per 100,000 people), it decreased by about 1.2% each year.

Death cases followed a similar pattern: total deaths increased by 12%, but the death rate per person decreased by about 1.6% per year. This is good news because it suggests that treatments are improving and fewer older adults are dying from stomach cancer compared to the past.

The study found important differences between groups. Men had significantly more cases and deaths than women. People in their 90s had the highest risk per person, while people in their 70s had the most total cases simply because there are more people in that age group. Different regions of the world showed very different patterns, with some areas having much higher rates than others.

The research identified two major risk factors: eating foods high in salt (which contributed to about 8% of the disease burden) and smoking (which contributed to about 12%). These two factors together account for one-fifth of the stomach cancer burden in older adults. Regions with medium-to-high wealth levels had the highest rates of stomach cancer, which is somewhat surprising and suggests that lifestyle factors in these areas may increase risk.

This study builds on decades of research showing that stomach cancer rates have been declining in developed countries since the mid-1900s. The improvement is likely due to better food preservation methods (reducing the need for salt), improved sanitation, and fewer people smoking. However, stomach cancer remains a major problem in some parts of Asia and Eastern Europe, where rates are still quite high. This new research confirms that the global trend is improving but shows that progress isn’t equal everywhere.

The study relies on health data reported by different countries, and some nations have better record-keeping than others, which could affect accuracy. The researchers couldn’t prove that salt and smoking directly cause stomach cancer in this study—they only showed that these factors are associated with the disease. Additionally, the study doesn’t account for other important factors like H. pylori infection (a bacteria linked to stomach cancer) or family history, which may play significant roles.

The Bottom Line

If you’re 70 or older: reduce salt intake by choosing fresh foods over processed ones (high confidence), avoid smoking and secondhand smoke (high confidence), and maintain regular check-ups with your doctor (moderate confidence). These steps can help lower your risk of stomach cancer and improve overall health.

This research is most relevant for people aged 70 and older, their families, and healthcare providers. Men should pay particular attention since they have higher rates. People living in regions with high stomach cancer rates should be especially vigilant about risk factors. Anyone with a family history of stomach cancer should discuss screening options with their doctor.

Reducing salt intake and quitting smoking can improve your overall health within weeks to months, but the protective effects against stomach cancer develop over years. Most people won’t see dramatic changes quickly, but these lifestyle changes reduce your long-term risk significantly.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily sodium intake by logging meals and noting salt content. Aim to stay under 2,300 mg per day (about 1 teaspoon). Use the app to set reminders to check food labels and identify high-sodium foods to avoid.
  • Set a goal to replace one high-salt food with a fresh alternative each week. For example, swap canned soup for homemade broth, or processed snacks for fresh fruits and vegetables. Use the app to log these swaps and celebrate progress.
  • Create a monthly report showing sodium trends and smoking status (if applicable). Set quarterly health goals with your doctor and use the app to track progress toward these targets. Share reports with your healthcare provider during check-ups.

This research provides important health information but is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re 70 or older and concerned about stomach cancer risk, please discuss screening, prevention, and your individual risk factors with your doctor. This study shows trends and associations but cannot diagnose or treat stomach cancer. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.