Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of gastrointestinal cancer that begins in the lining of the stomach. In Singapore, gastrointestinal cancers are a growing concern. From 2018 to 2022, over 87,000 cancer cases were reported, with stomach cancer being the 7th most common cancer in men and the 9th in women. Alarmingly, it claims more than 300 lives each year locally. While gastrointestinal cancer treatment options have improved, early detection remains a key factor in improving outcomes. Unfortunately, more than two-thirds of patients are diagnosed only at Stage III or IV, when the prognosis tends to be poorer.
Although stomach cancer cannot be entirely prevented, there are several strategies that can reduce your risk. Adopting healthier lifestyle habits and undergoing regular gastric cancer screening are two crucial steps towards prevention and early detection.
Understanding Stomach Cancer Risk
There are multiple factors that may increase your risk of developing stomach cancer. Some are genetic, while others are related to diet, lifestyle, or long-term health conditions.
Known risk factors include:
- Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can inflame the stomach lining
- Chronic gastritis
- Family history of stomach or gastrointestinal cancer
- Diets high in smoked, pickled, or heavily salted foods
- High alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
Recognising your risk profile allows for earlier clinical intervention, including appropriate screening protocols and targeted preventive strategies
Tips to Lower Your Risk of Stomach Cancer
While there’s no certain way to prevent stomach cancer, you can take steps to lower your risk through healthy lifestyle choices.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of several types of gastrointestinal cancer, including stomach cancer. Aim for regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
2. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Diets rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those containing antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate, can help reduce cancer risk. Limit your intake of:
- Salted, cured, or smoked foods
- Processed or red meats
- Pickled items
3. Limit Alcohol and Stop Smoking
Smoking and heavy drinking are major risk factors for stomach cancer. Quitting tobacco and cutting back on alcohol can go a long way in protecting your stomach health.
4. Treat Helicobacter Pylori Infections
Chronic infection with H. pylori is a known cause of stomach ulcers, and studies have found this infection to be linked to the development of gastric cancer. If you often feel bloated, nauseous, or have persistent stomach discomfort, see your doctor for medical advice to receive prompt treatment to manage this infection.
5. Undergo Regular Screenings
If you do have a family history of gastrointestinal cancer or have other risk factors, regular gastrointestinal cancer screening every 2 to 3 years can support early detection of stomach cancer—often before symptoms appear—when treatment tends to be more effective.
How Stomach Cancer is Diagnosed: Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnostic Methods
Stomach cancer is typically diagnosed through stomach cancer screening procedures such as a gastroscopy, also known as Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD). This involves a thin, flexible tube with a camera inserted through the mouth to visualise the oesophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine. During the procedure, your doctor may collect small tissue samples for a biopsy to check for cancer cells.
Once stomach cancer is diagnosed, doctors will assess how far it has spread — a process called staging. This helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Staging is typically done using the TNM system, which looks at:
- T – How large the tumour is and how deeply it has grown into the stomach wall
- N – Whether nearby lymph nodes are affected
- M – Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis)
To determine this, doctors may use imaging tests like CT scans, PET-CT, or MRI. In some cases, additional procedures such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or biopsies of suspicious lymph nodes or distant organs may be required.
Blood Test for Early Detection
Blood tests are often used as a basic part of cancer screening to detect signs of abnormal cell growth. Traditional tumour marker tests can sometimes signal potential cancer activity, although they are not specific to stomach cancer. In recent years, advances in medical science have introduced molecular blood tests that detect microRNA markers—small genetic materials linked to gastric cancer risk. These tests may help identify high-risk individuals even before symptoms appear. One such test available in Singapore is GASTROClear, which may support earlier risk assessment, though a confirmed diagnosis still requires further investigation, such as endoscopy and biopsy.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Stomach cancer is more treatable when diagnosed at an early stage, before it spreads beyond the stomach lining. However, some symptoms like indigestion, mild discomfort, or bloating are often overlooked, and many patients may only be diagnosed at a later stage. This highlights the importance of regular gastrointestinal cancer screening in Singapore, particularly for those in the high-risk group.
When to Visit a Gastroenterologist
If you have persistent stomach discomfort, indigestion, unexplained weight loss, or a family history of stomach or other gastrointestinal cancers, consider booking an appointment with a gastroenterologist.
A gastroenterologist specialises in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. They can perform important diagnostic procedures like gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and provide recommendations tailored to your health.
In addition to stomach cancer screening, procedures like colonoscopy are available in Singapore to help detect other types of gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal cancer.,
Final Thoughts
While stomach cancer cannot be completely prevented, your risk can be significantly reduced through lifestyle changes, early treatment of infections, and regular screening. Being aware of your risk factors and taking proactive steps—like maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and undergoing routine check-ups—can make a meaningful difference.
If you’re concerned about your digestive health or would like to explore gastrointestinal cancer screening, don’t wait for symptoms to escalate. Visit Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre to speak with an experienced gastroenterologist about your options for diagnosis, screening, and gastrointestinal cancer treatment planning.
References
- Cancer statistics. (n.d.). https://www.nccs.com.sg/patient-care/cancer-types/cancer-statistics
- Mayo Clinic. Stomach cancer - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352438
