title: The epidemiology and primary prevention of gastric and esophageal cancer. A worldwide perspective.
abstract: This article examines the epidemiology and primary prevention of gastric and esophageal cancer throughout the world. Although both of these cancers have low incidence rates in many Westernized countries, they rank as foremost among all cancers in a number of developing countries. Risk factors, early signs and symptoms, and early detection procedures are discussed. Primary prevention of both stomach and esophageal cancer involves changing selected lifestyle variables: decreased alcohol intake, cessation of smoking, and decreased intake of dried, smoked, and salted foods. The nursing role in the primary prevention of stomach and esophageal cancer involves (a) familiarity with the known and hypothesized risk factors, (b) developing community-based patient education programs that are culturally relevant, simple, practical, and cost-effective, (c) working with other disciplines in prevention and early detection programs, and (d) lobbying governmental agencies to encourage their involvement in primary prevention of these cancers.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frank-Stromborg
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*