The changing incidence of oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma by anatomic sub-site

Background The incidence rates of gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinoma are changing significantly, but little is known about specific sub-sites. Aim To use a population-based approach to describe the trends in the site-specific incidence of oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, all cases of gastric and oesophageal adenocarcinoma among Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents first diagnosed between 1971 and 2000 were identified (n = 186). Complete in-patient and out-patient records were reviewed and site determined from pathological, surgical, endoscopic and radiological reports. Results Between the decades of 1971-1980 and 1991-2000, the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma increased significantly from 0.4 to 2.5 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction also increased from a rate of 0.6 to 2.2 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence rate of cancer involving the gastric cardia was stable but the incidence of adenocarcinoma involving distal gastric sites declined. Combined oesophageal and oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (4.7 per 1 000 000 person-years) was as common as gastric adenocarcinoma (3.4 per 100 000 person-years) in 1991-2000. Conclusions The incidence rates of adenocarcinoma involving proximal gastric sub-sites do not appear to be increasing in a manner similar to those involving oesophageal sub-sites.