CANCER OF THE STOMACH IN NEW ZEALAND: 1970–74 1

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Abstract
A total of 1891 new cases of cancer of the stomach occurred in New Zealand (1971 population 2,862,631) in the 5 yr 1970-1974. There was a higher incidence in men than women and in Maoris compared to Europeans. The disease had declined in incidence by .apprx. 50% in 20 yr. Most of the cancers occurred in the distal stomach and were described as adenocarcinomas. Patients (70%) had a lymph node metastases or advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Only 39% were able to have resectional surgery and in 57% specific therapy was not given. The estimated crude 5 yr survival rate of all patients was 7.8% (relative rate 10.2%) and the crude 5 yr survival rate after resectional surgery was 18.7% (relative rate 24.7%). The most important variables affecting survival were the stage of the disease and the age of the patient.