MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT OF GASTRIC-CANCER - A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE JAPANESE AND US EXPERIENCES

While gastric cancer is on the decline in the United States, this canc er has been the leading cause of death in Japan since 1981. Although t he mechanisms underlying the development of gastric cancer are not com pletely understood certain epidemiological factors, particularly diet, are associated with this disease. This article presents information o n the differences in disease classification, diagnostic and screening procedures, treatment approaches, and mortality, statistics between th e United States and Japan. In addition, the clinical manifestations of gastric cancer are summarized, and the nursing care of the patient is outlined using a nursing diagnosis format.