Incidence of stomach cancer and its relation to dietary habits and nutrition in Japan between 1900 and 1975.

The diet of the Japanese people may be an important factor contributing to the high morbidity and morality rates of stomach cancer in Japan. Heavy rice consumption plus many salty foods in the diet are characteristic of the traditional eating habits in Japan. Fat intake and use of alcohol and tobacco are also considered possible factors. As the diet of the Japanese people changes to a more Western diet, there may be a concomitant change in the incidence of stomach cancer.