Several studies indicated an association with advanced disease, metastatic disease and poor prognosis (Czyzewska et al. 2009; Hirayama et al. 1992; Onda et al. 1990; Tahara et al. 1986; Yasui et al. 1988), while in early gastric cancers, per trend a smaller percentage of EGF-positive tumours was reported (Aoyagi et al. 2001; Hirayama et al. 1992; Onda et al. 1990; Tahara et al. 1986; Yasui et al. 1988). Here, EGF is linked to gastric cancer.