IARC scientist participated in the United States National Cancer Institute’s first Think Tank on Advancing Gastric Cancer Prevention

On 17 May 2024, the United States National Cancer Institute hosted the first Think Tank on Advancing Gastric Cancer Prevention, a forum for an international multidisciplinary group of gastric cancer experts to review the state of the science and collaboratively identify critical knowledge gaps. More than 200 extramural and intramural clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates attended the all-day event, both in person and remotely. Dr Jin Young Park, Leader of the Gastric Cancer Prevention Team at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), gave a talk on international initiatives on Helicobacter pylori eradication for gastric cancer prevention.

Gastric (stomach) cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and in the USA. However, the cancer burden in the USA is differentially distributed across racial and ethnic groups; the incidence and mortality rates are highest among non-White individuals. Because of the lack of epidemiological and clinical studies among underserved population groups in the USA, only limited data on relevant risk factors among the most affected individuals are available to inform evidence-based gastric cancer control, prevention, and intervention efforts. The aim of the Think Tank was to provide a forum for a multidisciplinary group of gastric cancer experts to review the state of the science and collaboratively identify critical knowledge gaps.

The morning sessions covered the current state of clinical and epidemiological gastric cancer prevention and control research and resources. During the afternoon session, 10 small groups discussed scientific opportunities within different research areas that will best serve at-risk populations. The in-person participants then voted for one opportunity from each research area that they believe will have the greatest impact on reduction of gastric cancer risk and mortality. These opportunities will be published in a meeting summary to inform national and international research agendas in gastric cancer prevention and control.

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Read more about the Think Tank on Advancing Gastric Cancer Prevention 

View the IARC Gastric Cancer Prevention Team webpage 

Watch the recording of the session