Background and purpose: Incidence and mortality of gastric cancer have increased gradually in China. Population-based cancer survival rate can reflect improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment

as well as provide evidence for gastric cancer prevention and control. Methods: Data from gastric cancer incidence and followup between 2002 and 2006 were collected by the Shanghai Cancer Registry. Life table and Ederer Ⅱ were used to calculate observed survival (OS) and relative survival (RS). Results: A total number of 28 243 gastric cancer cases were documented between 2002 and 2006 in Shanghai. The 5-year OS and RS of gastric cancer were 32.15% and 45.81%

respectively. Survival rates of gastric cancer varied by age

residence

diagnostic stage

and tumor histological type

but not by gender. Patients aged 35-44 years who were diagnosed at stage Ⅰ or with tubular adenocarcinoma

had the highest survival rates. Moreover

patients in rural areas had higher 5-year OS than those in urban areas. During the period 2002-2006

both 5-year OS and RS of gastric cancer increased dramatically

as compared with 1972-1976. Conclusion: Survival rates of gastric cancer varied by age

residence

diagnostic stage

and tumor histological type. The 5-year OS and RS significantly increased in Shanghai over the past three decades

but are still far below developed countries. Early diagnosis of gastric cancer would be an effective strategy to improve survival and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.