Home > Review Articles > Ethnic disparities > Gastric cancer survival (in)equity from 2002 to 2021: examining demographic and clinical characteristics among Māori and non-Māori

Gastric cancer survival (in)equity from 2002 to 2021: examining demographic and clinical characteristics among Māori and non-Māori

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 121
Authors:
  • Satherley N et al.
Summary:

While gastric cancer mortality risk is still higher for Māori compared with non Māori, this disparity has reduced in recent years, according to a registry study. Records for 1452 Māori and 6402 non-Māori diagnosed with gastric cancer were obtained from the New Zealand Cancer Registry, and linked with mortality data from Statistics New Zealand. Ethnic inequity in gastric cancer mortality was apparent over the period 2002 to 2017, but was smaller in more recent periods, particularly 1-year age-standardised mortality. The mortality difference for Māori compared with non-Māori was most pronounced for those aged 45-64 years.

Comment:
Getting H. pylori testing and treatment right is so important for Māori and Pacific peoples who have higher rates of both H. pylori infection and associated gastric cancer. International research now shows that H. pylori is the single greatest modifiable risk factor for gastric cancer and may carry a greater population-level risk than inherited stomach cancer gene syndromes. Together, these papers demonstrate that inequities in testing, access to treatment, and early intervention are not just issues of infection management, but major contributors to preventable cancer inequities, reinforcing the importance of Māori-led approaches.
Reference: N Z Med J. 2026;139(1632):44-70.
Abstract
Download Article
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

Variation in the use of electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation/flutter according to sex and ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand
Variation in the use of electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation/flutter according to sex and ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand

Rhythm control procedures are selectively applied and vary by demographic and clinical factors, according to

Find out more
Regional and ethnic projections of gastric cancer incidence in Aotearoa New Zealand to 2045: identifying opportunities for targeted action
Regional and ethnic projections of gastric cancer incidence in Aotearoa New Zealand to 2045: identifying opportunities for targeted action

A modelling study has found that absolute gastric cancer cases in New Zealand are projected

Find out more
Changes in life expectancy in Aotearoa New Zealand
Changes in life expectancy in Aotearoa New Zealand

Despite overall improvement in life expectancy in New Zealand, according to a cause-specific decomposition analysis

Find out more
View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.