Stomach

Abstract

For unknown reasons the incidence of stomach cancer in America has declined markedly in the 50 years from 1930 to 1980. This decrease is on the order of fourfold. No credit is due the medical profession for this remarkable salutary change in what is one of the worst kinds of cancer a person may suffer. As there is no clear understanding of the cause, it is not possible to understand the improvement. While it is thought that consumption of smoked fish may be related to stomach cancer — incidence is high in Japan and Iceland — there are obviously other operative factors. It does seem likely that environmental factors are most important in initiation of this cancer and that America’s consumption of cleaner water and food may be important in its declining incidence. This decreasing incidence certainly diminishes ones fears about food additives (Silverberg 1982; Haenszel and Correa 1975).