High stomach cancer rates contrast with long life expectancy in Japan

Japan maintains the longest life expectancy in the world while spending a fraction of what other high-income countries spend on healthcare, Nutrition Facts reported. However, the country continues to record among the highest rates of stomach cancer globally. [1]

Traditional Japanese dietary patterns are thought to contribute to long life spans and low rates of coronary artery disease, according to Nutrition Facts. Japan has also historically recorded among the lowest rates of colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, bladder, and blood cancers. [1]

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops as a malignant tumor in the lining of the stomach. Early symptoms can include heartburn, upper abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite, while later symptoms may include weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and blood in the stool. [4]

Diets in the region often feature pickled and fermented foods. Pickling preserves food through anaerobic fermentation in brine or immersion in vinegar, while kimchi is a traditional side dish made of salted and fermented vegetables such as Chinese cabbage or radish. [2][3]