Screening endoscopy finds high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal metaplasia in Korean American with limited access to health care

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading cause of cancer death among Korean Americans. Prevention and early detection is improved by screening.

Methods

Between September 2013 and March 2015, ethnic Koreans age 40 or older without history or symptoms of GC and without upper endoscopy (UE) during previous 3 years were enrolled. Participants were offered screening with GC risk assessment followed by UE with biopsies.

Results

Risk assessment was provided to 146 participants (age 55.6 ± 8.3 years; 52.1% female; 92.5% uninsured), of whom 99 (67.8%) returned for UE. Undergoing UE was independently associated with family history of GC (OR 12.33, 95% CI:1.52-100.17), being a former smoker (6.68,1.42-31.32), and Hp-negative status (0.25,0.11-0.57). Among UE recipients, half (49.5%) had intestinal metaplasia (IM) only (n = 24), Hp only (n = 12), or both (n = 13). No case of GC was found. Adjusted for age, IM was independently associated with male sex (2.89,1.12-7.42), current Hp (2.90,0.99-8.51), unmarried status (single or divorced) (4.23,1.23-14.56).

Conclusions

High prevalence of risk factors associated with gastric carcinogenesis including Hp infection and IM exists in Korean Americans who underwent upper endoscopic screening. Acceptance of GC screening is informed by personal risk factors. These findings support the need to improve access to screening UE among KAs.

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