We previously reported that early-stage C-Ca was more significantly associated with G-phenotype tumours, such as tumours showing 45M1 expression and/or class III mucin as detected by paradoxical concanavalin A staining, and more negatively associated with the presence of intestinal metaplasia in the surrounding non-neoplastic mucosa as compared with early-stage D-Ca (Tajima et al, 2001a). The gene discussed is MUC5AC; the disease is neoplasm.