In two population groups a 5-year-study including X-ray examination, endoscopy and biopsy was performed taking into account high risk factors, which do allow early diagnosis of gastric carcinoma. One group was a control group as far as the gastrointestinal tract was concerned, the other group was a high risk group. In the control group no tumor was found throughout the period of 5 years, in the high risk group however three early carcinoma of the stomach and one borderline lesion were detected. These results show, that regular control of high risk patients allows early diagnosis of gastric carcinoma.