Abstract
While gastric cancer is on the decline in the United States, this cancer has been the leading cause of death in Japan since 1981. Although the mechanisms underlying the development of gastric cancer are not completely understood, certain epidemiological factors, particularly diet, are associated with this disease. This article presents information on the differences in disease classification, diagnostic and screening procedures, treatment approaches, and mortality statistics between the United States and Japan. In addition, the clinical manifestations of gastric cancer are summarized, and the nursing care of the patient is outlined using a nursing diagnosis format.