Occurrence of esophageal and gastric cancer in Alaska Natives, 1969-2003.
BACKGROUND
Early reports of esophageal and gastric cancer in American Indians/Alaska Natives documented high rates.


METHODS
Esophageal and gastric cancers in Alaska Natives were reviewed for 1969-2003 using the Alaska Native Tumor Registry database. Alaska Native incidence rates were age-adjusted and compared to rates of several US populations.


RESULTS
The incidence of esophageal and gastric cancer has remained relatively stable during the 35-year period. Gastric cancer is higher than that seen in US Whites, Blacks and American Indians of New Mexico and similar US Asian/Pacific Islanders. Esophageal cancer incidence is higher than US Whites, Asian/Pacific Islanders and American Indians of New Mexico but similar to US Blacks.


CONCLUSIONS
The rates of esophageal and gastric cancer in the Alaska Native population have remained high over 35 years. While the rate of gastric cancer has declined among US Whites, a similar decline has not been seen in Alaska Natives.
Alberts
Steven R
SR
Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. alberts.steven@mayo.edu
Kelly
Janet J
JJ
Lanier
Anne P
AP
Sacco
Frank
F
D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012042:Registries; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*