Who Gets Stomach Cancer?

• In 2018, 835 new cases of stomach cancer were diagnosed in Ohio, accounting for 1.2% of all invasive cancer cases reported that year.
• Stomach cancer rates were 2X higher among Ohio men than women.
• In Ohio, stomach cancer was most frequently diagnosed among older adults ages 65 to 74.

Stomach Cancer Deaths

• In 2019, 331 deaths from stomach cancer occurred in Ohio. The stomach cancer death rate is about two times higher among Black Ohioans than white Ohioans.
• In Ohio, stomach cancer death rates among Black people decreased more than those among white people from 2010 to 2019.

Stage at Diagnosis and Survival

• 31% of stomach cancer cases in Ohio were diagnosed at the latest (distant) stage in 2014-2018.
• 77% of Ohioans diagnosed with local stage stomach cancer that has not spread beyond the stomach SURVIVE 5 YEARS.
• Only 6% of Ohioans diagnosed with distant stage stomach cancer that has spread to other parts of the body SURVIVE 5 YEARS.

Based on cases diagnosed in Ohio in 2011-2017.

Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer

• Helicobacter pylori Infection: H. pylori is a bacterium that commonly infects the inner lining of the stomach. Infection with H. pylori is the primary identified cause of stomach cancer.
• Certain Medical Conditions: People who have gastritis caused by long-term stomach inflammation, the blood disease pernicious anemia, or stomach polyps are at increased risk of stomach cancer.
• Tobacco Smoking: Studies show that smoking is linked with an increased risk of stomach cancer.

For more information on cancer in Ohio, see the ODH Cancer Data and Statistics web page.
Sources: Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System and Bureau of Vital Statistics,
Ohio Department of Health; National Cancer Institute.