Differences in the pattern of gastric carcinoma between north-eastern and north-western peninsular Malaysia: a reflection of Helicobacter pylori prevalence

A retrospective study on demographics of gastric carcinoma was conducted in Hospital Pulau Pinang (HPP) with the aim of comparing it to a previous study done in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan. The incidence of gastric carcinoma was much higher in Penang compared to Kelantan. It was commonest in males and Chinese. The incidence and site of gastric carcinoma closely parallels Helicobacter pylori infection rates. This was evidenced by the higher incidence and non-cardia location of gastric carcinomas in an area with higher H. pylori infection rates (HPP) compared to a much lower incidence and preponderance of cardia tumours in HUSM where the H. pylori infection rate is exceptionally low.