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Stomach Cancer

Catching gastric cancer early — diagnosis and coordinated care.

Overview

Stomach (gastric) cancer is among the more common cancers in India. Early-stage disease often has no specific symptoms, which is why catching it requires evaluating warning signs — persistent indigestion in patients over 45, unintentional weight loss, anaemia, or longstanding H. pylori infection. When found early, it is curable. Untreated H. pylori, smoking, and a salt-heavy diet are the main modifiable risks.

Common symptoms

  • Persistent indigestion or stomach pain that doesn't respond to usual treatment
  • Feeling full after eating only small amounts (early satiety)
  • Unintentional weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Black tar-like stools or visible blood in vomit
  • Fatigue from anaemia (low iron, low haemoglobin)
  • Difficulty swallowing or food sticking

When to see a doctor

Anyone over 45 with new persistent indigestion, anyone with H. pylori on a background of family history, or anyone with the red flags above should have an upper endoscopy promptly. Iron-deficiency anaemia in men or post-menopausal women also warrants endoscopy to look for an upper-GI source.

How we help

Upper endoscopy with biopsy is the definitive diagnostic step — we can see, sample, and characterise any lesion in the same procedure. If cancer is confirmed, we coordinate staging (CT, endoscopic ultrasound where needed) and refer to surgical oncology or onco-medical teams for treatment. Treating H. pylori in at-risk patients is the most reliable prevention.

This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.

Patient questions

Stomach Cancer — common questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about stomach cancer.

What are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?
Often none — that's why catching early disease requires evaluating warning signs. Persistent indigestion in someone over 45, unintentional weight loss, anaemia, vomiting blood, or feeling full quickly with small meals all warrant upper endoscopy.
Who is at higher risk?
Long-standing H. pylori infection, family history of stomach cancer, smoking, high-salt diet, and pernicious anaemia. Treating H. pylori in at-risk patients is one of the most effective preventive measures.
How is stomach cancer detected?
Upper endoscopy with biopsy is the gold standard — we can see, sample, and characterise any suspicious lesion in the same procedure. Staging then uses CT and sometimes endoscopic ultrasound.
Is stomach cancer curable?
Early-stage stomach cancer is often curable with surgery, sometimes combined with chemotherapy. Advanced cancers are harder to cure, but newer treatments — immunotherapy and targeted therapy — have meaningfully improved survival.
Can H. pylori treatment prevent stomach cancer?
Yes — population studies show that treating H. pylori significantly reduces stomach cancer risk, especially when done early. It's why we test and treat H. pylori in patients with ulcers, family history, or persistent stomach symptoms.
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