Indonesia, a country rich in ethnic diversity, exhibits varying health conditions across its many communities. One significant yet under-recognized health issue is the risk of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, but the true risk, especially among Indonesia’s diverse ethnic groups, remains largely unknown.
What Was Studied?
In this study, researchers conducted a nationwide survey, collecting stomach tissue samples from 1,053 individuals across 19 cities in Indonesia. The primary focus of the study was to examine the condition of the stomach lining (mucosa), assess the spread and severity of gastritis (stomach inflammation), and evaluate the risk of stomach cancer across different ethnic groups.
Study Findings
The study found that nearly half of the patients with digestive symptoms had abnormalities in their stomach lining. The most common conditions were chronic gastritis (36.3%) and atrophic gastritis (28.9%). Interestingly, the Timor ethnic group had the highest rates of acute gastritis (52.6%) and chronic gastritis (68.4%), even among those who were not infected with the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
The research also revealed that the antrum (the lower part of the stomach) was the area most frequently affected by both acute and chronic inflammation. Factors such as age, Timor ethnicity, and H. pylori infection were found to significantly increase the risk of developing atrophic gastritis, a condition that can lead to stomach cancer. The Timor, Papuan, and Bugis ethnic groups were identified as having the highest stomach cancer risk scores.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Overall, Indonesia is considered a low-risk country for stomach cancer. However, the study highlights that certain ethnic groups should be more closely monitored. The Timor, Papuan, and Bugis ethnic groups show more severe stomach conditions, indicating a need for special attention.
For policymakers, these findings are crucial as they can inform the development of more targeted stomach cancer screening programs. This, in turn, could help reduce the incidence of stomach cancer in Indonesia, especially among high-risk ethnic groups.
Although Indonesia generally has a low risk of stomach cancer, this study emphasizes the importance of paying closer attention to specific ethnic groups. With the right preventive measures, such as screening and treating H. pylori infections, we can protect the population from the serious risk of stomach cancer.
Link Journal : https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/analysis-of-risks-of-gastric-cancer-by-gastric-mucosa-among-indon