Improving the detection rate of early gastric cancer requires more than open access gastroscopy: a five year study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the reasons why patients with gastric cancer continue to present with advanced disease despite open access gastroscopy.


METHODS
All patients diagnosed with gastric cancer between 1 August 1989 and 31 July 1994.


METHODS
A retrospective study of the presentation of gastric cancer in South Tees; patients were diagnosed at open access gastroscopy or referred through conventional channels. Primary care records of 81 patients dying between 1991 and 1995 were analysed for previous symptoms, investigations, and antisecretory drug therapy. Findings were compared with 200 age and sex matched controls.


RESULTS
The overall incidence of earlier stage gastric cancer remains low at 13%. Diagnostic delay occurs in both primary and secondary care due to a high incidence of previous dyspepsia and investigation. One in six patients had been previously investigated in the three years prior to diagnosis, the majority of whom were on antisecretory drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Early gastric cancer remains rare in South Tees health district. Advantages of open access gastroscopy appear to be compromised by delayed referral to hospital and failure of endoscopists to recognise the early disease; either they are unaware of its appearance or prior treatment with an H2 receptor antagonist masks the disease by allowing mucosal healing.
Suvakovic
Z
Z
Department of Gastroenterology, South Cleveland Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
Bramble
M G
MG
Jones
R
R
Wilson
C
C
Idle
N
N
Ryott
J
J
D000368:Aged; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy; D013997:Time Factors
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists