Stomach cancer mortality in Spain: an ecological analysis of diet, altitude, latitude, and income

摘要

The decline over the past decade in the incidence and mortality from stomach cancer has been documented in numerous studies carried out in different parts of the world. Stomach cancer, however, still causes a high number of deaths in Spain. The geographical distribution of stomach cancer varies greatly. In general, it shows a higher incidence in poorer, more northerly regions, located at higher altitudes. Among the different factors that have been studied in relation to this peculiar distribution, the diet is considered to play a critical role. This study was aimed to determine whether in recent years mortality from stomach cancer in provinces in Spain was related to the geographical distribution of the income level, mean altitude and latitude of each province, and the distribution of suspected dietary risk factors such as a low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.