Racial/ethnic and geographic differences in second primary cancers in stomach cancer survivors: a comparative study of U.S. and South Korea - Report - MDSpire
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Racial/ethnic and geographic differences in second primary cancers in stomach cancer survivors: a comparative study of U.S. and South Korea
Geographic and Racial/Ethnic Variations in Second Primary Cancers Among Stomach Cancer Survivors
Overview
This study compared second primary cancer (SPC) risks and survival outcomes among stomach cancer survivors across racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. and South Korea. Findings revealed notable differences in SPC incidence and mortality impact, with variations observed among Asian subgroups and between countries.
Background
Stomach cancer is a leading global malignancy with improving survival rates due to advances in detection and treatment. As survivors live longer, the risk of developing second primary cancers (SPCs) increases, yet data on racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in SPC risk and outcomes remain limited. Prior studies often aggregate Asian populations, obscuring subgroup differences. This study leverages national cancer registries from the U.S. and South Korea to elucidate these disparities and inform tailored survivorship care.
Data Highlights
Population
Total Survivors
SPC Cases
SPC Proportion (%)
U.S. Overall
19,595
1,050
5.4
White (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
6.2
Black (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
5.8
Asian (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
4.7
Latino (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
3.8
Pacific Islander (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
3.3
Korean American (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
5.3
Japanese American (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
5.1
Chinese American (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
4.8
Filipino American (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
4.4
Vietnamese American (U.S.)
Not specified
Not specified
3.9
South Korea
204,240
6,908
3.4
Key Findings
Among U.S. stomach cancer survivors, Whites had the highest SPC proportion (6.2%), followed by Blacks (5.8%) and Asians (4.7%).
Within U.S. Asian subgroups, Korean Americans exhibited the highest SPC proportion (5.3%), with Vietnamese Americans the lowest (3.9%).
South Korean stomach cancer survivors had a lower SPC proportion (3.4%) compared to U.S. survivors overall (5.4%).
Stage at diagnosis varied by group, with South Korean patients showing the highest localized stage proportion (75.4%), similar to Korean American and White U.S. patients.
Histologic subtype distributions differed, with intestinal-type tumors predominating in South Korean patients (75.5%).
SPC risk and survival impact analyses accounted for competing mortality and adjusted for demographic and clinical factors, highlighting racial/ethnic and geographic disparities.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should recognize that SPC risk among stomach cancer survivors varies by race/ethnicity and geography, with Asian subgroups demonstrating distinct risk profiles. Tailored surveillance strategies considering these differences may improve early SPC detection and management. Additionally, understanding stage and histologic variations can guide personalized follow-up and treatment planning.
Conclusion
This comparative analysis underscores significant racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in SPC incidence and outcomes among stomach cancer survivors. Disaggregating Asian subgroups and incorporating cross-national data enhances understanding of survivorship risks and informs culturally and regionally appropriate care.
References
SEER Program and Korea CPLD Data -- Cancer Registries
Global Stomach Cancer Statistics -- GLOBOCAN 2020
Survival Trends in Stomach Cancer -- U.S. and South Korea
