Ten-Year Retrospective Study of Gastric and Gastroesophageal Cancers in South-East Nigeria: Insights into Demographics and Tumour Characteristics

Background: Gastric and gastro oesophageal junction cancers remain major contributors to global cancer mortality. In Nigeria, late diagnosis is common, and this pattern continues to drive high cancer related deaths. Materials and Methods: Clinico pathological data were retrieved from four major histopathology laboratories in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi square test in SPSS version 25 to assess differences in proportions. Results: Gastric and gastro oesophageal junction cancers were most frequently diagnosed in individuals in their sixth and seventh decades of life, with a median age of 56.7 years. There was no clear sex predilection in the study population. The pylorus and antrum were the most common tumour locations, and intestinal type adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological subtype. Most cases presented at advanced stages, with the majority staged as T3 or T4. Conclusion: Gastric and gastro oesophageal junction cancers in this setting are characterised by late presentation and are predominantly antral adenocarcinomas. These findings highlight the need for a regional screening initiative aimed at earlier detection and improved outcomes.