Case-control study of gastric cancer screening in Venezuela
1994

Gastric Cancer Screening in Venezuela

Sample size: 241 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): P. Pisani, W.E. Oliver, D.M. Parkin, N. Alvarez, J. Vivas

Primary Institution: International Agency for Research on Cancer

Hypothesis

Does a screening program for gastric cancer reduce mortality in Tachira, Venezuela?

Conclusion

The screening program in Tachira has failed to reduce mortality from gastric cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • The odds ratio for dying from stomach cancer for those screened was 1.26.
  • Only 12.4% of those at risk had been screened.
  • Screening did not significantly reduce mortality rates in the population studied.

Takeaway

The study looked at whether screening for stomach cancer helps people live longer, but it found that it didn't really work.

Methodology

A case-control study comparing 241 gastric cancer deaths with 2410 matched controls from electoral rolls.

Potential Biases

High risk of selection bias as those who attended screening may have had symptoms.

Limitations

Selection bias may have affected the results due to the low prevalence of screening.

Participant Demographics

Participants were residents of Tachira State, Venezuela, with cases matched by sex and age.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.47

Confidence Interval

CI 0.24-0.98

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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