Gastric Cancer Profile in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Study from Kashmir, India

Background Gastric cancer remains a major global health concern despite a declining incidence in several regions. It continues to contribute substantially to cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Objective To analyze the demographic, clinical, and pathological profile of patients with gastric cancer presenting to a tertiary care centre in Kashmir, India.

Materials and Methods This retrospective observational study included all histopathologically confirmed cases of gastric carcinoma registered at the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry, Government Medical College, Anantnag, from January 2019 to December 2024. Data regarding age, sex, clinical presentation, anatomical site, histopathology, TNM stage, metastatic pattern, and treatment details were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results A total of 175 patients were included, with a marked male predominance. Elderly patients constituted the majority of cases. The pyloric region was the most commonly involved anatomical site, followed by the gastric body and cardia. Histopathological evaluation revealed a predominance of adenocarcinoma. Most patients presented with locally advanced disease, with a substantial proportion having distant metastases at diagnosis. The liver was the most frequent site of metastatic involvement.

Conclusion Gastric cancer in Kashmir predominantly affects elderly males and commonly presents at an advanced stage, with pyloric involvement being most frequent. The high burden of advanced disease underscores the need for early detection strategies, including increased public awareness and timely endoscopic evaluation.