P253 Exploring the incidence patterns of gastric cancer across races and ethnicities: a joinpoint regression perspective

Introduction Gastric cancer is globally widespread, notably in Eastern Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America, with lower rates in North America and parts of Africa. Different sections of the stomach can be affected. Each year, over 26,000 US patients are diagnosed, often late, leading to a near 50% mortality rate. This study aims to analyze trends in gastric cancer incidence within the stomach’s specific regions, considering ethnicity/race in the US context Methods In our research, we analyzed retrospective data from 2009-2022 on all gastric cancer patients in our hospital, collecting information on comorbidities, insurance, surgeries, cancer grade, colonoscopy reports, and baseline characteristics. We categorized cases by gender, race, and tumor location, calculating the expected cancer case numbers using a direct method. We used Joinpoint Regression to measure incidence trends over time across racial/ethnic groups, with the annual standardized incidence rates’ natural logarithm as the dependent variable. Results Our study of 378 gastric cancer patients (46.2% female), we found differing tumor locations: Cardia (36.5%), Non-Cardia (39.1%), and unspecified (25%). Notably, Afro-Americans had increased Non-Cardia adenocarcinoma (p:0.012). From 2009-2022, overall incidence rates were stable (APCC=0.1), yet racial disparities emerged. Whites experienced a greater incidence of Cardia adenocarcinoma (p:<0.01) and rising Non-Cardia incidence since 2015. Conversely, Asians had a higher Cardia incidence (p:0.045) but a decreasing Non-Cardia incidence (APCC: -2.4). Discussion Our study revealed significant racial disparities in gastric cancer incidences within the US. Afro-Americans had a higher prevalence of Non-Cardia adenocarcinoma, while Whites and Asians showed increased incidences in Cardia adenocarcinoma. Despite overall stable incidence rates from 2009-2022, specific trends varied across racial groups, underlining the need for targeted prevention and early diagnosis strategies.