GASTRIC CANCER IN YOUNG PATIENTS

Gastric cancer (GC) is considered to be a disease of older patients (pts), with nonspecific early symptoms, occurring most frequently in the age group of 50-70 years. Only 2-15% of patients are under 45 years. GC in young patients has been reported as having a more aggressive clinical and pathological features and worse prognosis, whereas this has not been confirmed in other trials. Regarding gastric cancer etiology, the role of genetic factors and hormonal status may be more prominent in young people than environmental factors.