Natural history of gastric cancer and cerebrovascular disease in Chile. Analysis of the salt theory

Background: In the last forty years, a sustained reduction in the gastric c ancer and cerebrovascular disease mortality has been recorded. Joossens has postulated that sodium intake has an influence in the natural history of b oth diseases. Aim: To analyze the mortality caused by both diseases in Chil e. Material and methods: The mortality of people aged 35 to 64 years old, d ue to gastric cancer and cerebrovascular diseases in the period 1955-1994, was analyzed. All analysis according to regions, using temporal series and correlation techniques was performed. Results: Bz the studied period the mo rtality due to gastric cancer decreased by 71.6% in men and by 79.5% in wom en. Mortality due to cerebrovascular diseases decreased by 56.9% ill men an d by 63.9% ill women. There was a correlation coefficient of + 0.91 between the mortality due to both diseases. Cerebrovascular disease mortality appe ars as a predictor of gastric cancer mortality in temporal series analysis. Conclusions: Joossens theories are supported by the present data. Prospect ive studies should be designed to confirm the hypothesis.