Andrea M Teng1, Tony Blakely2, Michael G Baker2, Diana Sarfati2. 1. Department of Public Health, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington, New Zealand. andrea.teng@otago.ac.nz. 2. Department of Public Health, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington, New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The reasons for higher gastric cancer incidence rates in indigenous populations are debated. METHODS: We quantify the role of Helicobacter pylori in excess gastric cancer incidence in Māori and Pacific men in New Zealand. Age-standardized gastric cancer rate ratios for 1981-2004 were calculated in Māori and Pacific men compared with European/other men born in 1926-1940 and in 1941-1955. Rate ratios were then compared with those restricted to H. pylori prevalent populations. RESULTS: H. pylori contributed substantially to excess gastric cancer incidence in Māori men (50%, 61%) and Pacific men (71%, 82%) in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Policy should focus on reducing the acquisition and prevalence of H. pylori infection in these populations.
BACKGROUND: The reasons for higher gastric cancer incidence rates in indigenous populations are debated. METHODS: We quantify the role of Helicobacter pylori in excess gastric cancer incidence in Māori and Pacific men in New Zealand. Age-standardized gastric cancer rate ratios for 1981-2004 were calculated in Māori and Pacific men compared with European/other men born in 1926-1940 and in 1941-1955. Rate ratios were then compared with those restricted to H. pylori prevalent populations. RESULTS: H. pylori contributed substantially to excess gastric cancer incidence in Māori men (50%, 61%) and Pacific men (71%, 82%) in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Policy should focus on reducing the acquisition and prevalence of H. pylori infection in these populations.
Entities:
Keywords:
Chronic infection; Disparity; Gastric cancer; Inequity; Noncardia cancer