Incidence, mortality, survival, and treatment statistics of cancers in digestive organs—Japanese cancer statistics 2024

Abstract

Access to accurate statistical data is paramount in the pursuit of effective cancer control activities, including research, policy development, and clinical care. This paper presents a comprehensive statistical report on the incidence, mortality, survival, and treatment of major digestive organ cancers, including those of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, extrahepatic biliary tract, and pancreas, in Japan. We compiled data from the National Cancer Center's “Cancer Information Services” and government “e-Stat” websites and offered a succinct overview of basic statistics by using tables and graphical presentations. Our findings underscore the critical role of the National Cancer Registry introduced by the Cancer Registry Act of 2016, which mandates hospitals across Japan to report cancer cases. This system ensures more accurate incidence statistics. Mortality data sourced from the National Vital Statistics System and survival rates derived from hospital-based cancer registries offer insights into the outcomes and efficacy of treatment modalities. These data indicate a downward trend in mortality for stomach and liver cancers and stable or declining rates for other cancers except pancreatic cancer, which has the lowest survival rate. Treatment patterns indicate an increase in endoscopic procedures for esophageal and stomach cancers, with stable treatment approaches for colorectal cancer. This statistical overview aims to improve the understanding and inform research, policy, and clinical decisions in the field of digestive organ cancers.