Analysis of Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer in Young and Older Patients

Background The worldwide incidence of gastric cancer is gradually declining, however it remains the fourth highest in cancer incidence and the second leading cause of cancer death. Gastric cancer in young people is a disturbing problem and the routine screening does not include people less than 35 years. The clinicopathological features of gastric carcinoma are said to differ between young and elderly patients and it is thought that the prognosis of this disease is worse for younger patients. It is also suggested that the diagnosis is usually made later or have a more aggressive behaviour. Although, others report that tumor staging and prognosis for young patients is similar to older patients and depends on whether the patients undergo a curative resection. All these data need more investigation and studies. Although Portugal has a high incidence of gastric cancer, no studies have yet been performed comparing the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of young and elderly patients with gastric cancer.