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Overview

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, develops in the lining of the stomach. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India recorded approximately 64,600 new stomach cancer cases and 57,700 deaths. The disease is more common among men, with higher incidence reported in parts of southern and north-eastern India.

Early-stage stomach cancer may cause few or non-specific symptoms. Apollo Cancer Centres’ Stomach Cancer Early Detection Program uses risk assessment, Helicobacter pylori testing and upper-GI endoscopy, when appropriate, to identify abnormalities that require treatment or further investigation.

Routine screening is not recommended for everyone. Endoscopy may be considered for people with important risk factors, while those with persistent symptoms require diagnostic evaluation.

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Why Screening Is Important

Stomach cancer may initially resemble common digestive problems such as acidity or indigestion. Risk-based evaluation can:

  • Support earlier detection: Endoscopy can identify suspicious changes before the disease becomes advanced.

  • Detect precancerous changes: Conditions such as gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia may require monitoring.

  • Identify H. pylori infection: Detecting and treating this bacterial infection can reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.

  • Enable biopsy during the same procedure: Tissue samples can be taken from suspicious areas during endoscopy.

  • Guide individual follow-up: The need for repeat endoscopy can be determined according to the findings and personal risk.

A normal test does not rule out every stomach cancer. New, persistent or worsening digestive symptoms should always be evaluated.

Why Screening Is Important
Why Screening Is Important Stomach Cancer
How It Works

How It Works

During an upper-GI endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is gently passed through the mouth and down the throat to examine the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Sedation may be given to minimise discomfort. If the doctor sees an ulcer, growth or another abnormal area, small tissue samples can be collected during the procedure and examined by a pathologist to confirm or rule out cancer.

Who Should Be Screened

Adults aged 60 years and above with additional risk factors

People with persistent or recurrent upper-digestive symptoms

People with long-standing H. pylori infection or chronic gastritis

People with gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia or pernicious anaemia

People with a family history of stomach cancer

People with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer or another relevant inherited syndrome

People who previously underwent partial stomach removal for a non-cancerous condition

People who smoke or have a long history of tobacco use

People from regions or communities with a higher incidence of stomach cancer

Your Screening Journey at Apollo Cancer Centres

  • Registration
  • Risk assessment and consultation
  • Complete blood count (CBC) + Helicobacter Pylori stool antigen test
  • Specialist review
  • Endoscopy (with or without biopsy) if recommended
  • Results and next steps
Your Screening Journey at Apollo Cancer Centres
Your Screening Journey at Apollo Cancer Centres Stomach Cancer

Advantages of Gastric Screening at ACC

Individualised Risk Assessment

Individualised Risk Assessment

A specialist reviews symptoms, age, medical history, family history and other risk factors before recommending investigations.
Targeted Testing

Targeted Testing

H. pylori testing and upper-GI endoscopy are advised according to the individual’s risk and clinical presentation.
Expert Endoscopy

Expert Endoscopy

Experienced specialists examine the stomach lining and collect tissue samples from abnormal areas when necessary.
Coordinated Diagnosis

Coordinated Diagnosis

Endoscopy, biopsy and pathology evaluation are brought together to support an accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.
Comprehensive Cancer Care

Comprehensive Cancer Care

If stomach cancer is confirmed, patients have access to multidisciplinary treatment planning and personalised cancer care.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What is the Stomach Cancer Early Detection Program?
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It is a risk-based program designed to identify people who may benefit from H. pylori testing, upper-GI endoscopy or other investigations for the early detection of stomach cancer.
02 Is stomach cancer screening recommended for everyone?
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No. Routine screening is not generally recommended for people at average risk. Upper-GI endoscopy may be considered for people with important risk factors or used diagnostically in those with persistent symptoms.
03 Who may benefit from early evaluation?
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People with long-standing H. pylori infection, chronic gastric inflammation, pernicious anaemia, previous stomach surgery, a family history of stomach cancer or an inherited cancer syndrome may benefit from individual risk assessment.
04 What is Helicobacter pylori?
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H. pylori is a bacterium that can infect the stomach lining. Long-standing infection may cause chronic inflammation, ulcers and changes that increase the risk of stomach cancer.
05 How is H. pylori infection detected?
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It may be detected using a stool antigen test, urea breath test or biopsy collected during endoscopy. The appropriate test depends on the individual’s circumstances.
06 Does a positive H. pylori test mean that I have stomach cancer?
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No. A positive test indicates an active H. pylori infection, not cancer. The infection can usually be treated with a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines. Further evaluation will depend on your symptoms and risk factors.
07 What is an upper-GI endoscopy?
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Upper-GI endoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine using a flexible tube with a camera.
08 Is endoscopy painful?
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Most people experience little or no pain. A local throat spray, sedation or both may be used to minimise discomfort. Temporary throat irritation or bloating may occur afterwards.
09 How should I prepare for an endoscopy?
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You will usually need to avoid food for six to eight hours before the procedure. Clear-liquid and medication instructions may vary, so follow the directions provided by the clinical team.
10 Does someone need to accompany me?
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If sedation is used, you should arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home. You should not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions for the period advised by the medical team.
11 What happens if an abnormal area is detected?
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The doctor may collect small tissue samples during the endoscopy. A pathologist then examines them to determine whether the area is benign, precancerous or cancerous.
12 Does taking a biopsy cause cancer to spread?
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No. An endoscopic biopsy does not cause stomach cancer to spread. It is an important step in establishing an accurate diagnosis.
13 How often should high-risk individuals undergo endoscopy?
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There is no single interval suitable for everyone. The timing depends on the person’s risk factors and whether previous biopsies showed gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia or another abnormality.
14 Can stomach cancer be treated if detected early?
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Yes. Treatment depends on the location, stage and type of cancer. Some very early cancers may be removed endoscopically, while others may require surgery, systemic treatment or a combination of approaches.
15 Are there any risks associated with upper-GI endoscopy?
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Upper-GI endoscopy is generally safe. Uncommon complications include bleeding, a reaction to sedation, aspiration or a tear in the digestive tract. The doctor will explain the benefits and risks before the procedure.