Stomach Cancer: A Silent Threat Many People Overlook

 

Early Detection Means Earlier Care

Early-stage stomach cancer often causes no symptoms or produces symptoms similar to common stomach problems, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or indigestion. As a result, many people may not realise that something is wrong and only seek medical attention after the disease has progressed, which may affect treatment outcomes and long-term survival.

Why Is Early Detection Important?

The stage of the disease directly affects treatment outcomes and the five-year survival rate. According to data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI):

๐ Stomach cancer detected at the localised stage has an estimated five-year survival rate of approximately 75-78%.

๐ When the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs-the regional stage-the five-year survival rate decreases to approximately 35-37%.

๐ When the cancer has spread to distant organs-the distant or metastatic stage-the five-year survival rate falls to approximately 7-10%.

When stomach cancer is detected at the localised stage, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher than when the disease is more advanced. Screening therefore plays an important role in helping detect the disease at an earlier stage.

Early Awareness Creates an Opportunity for Earlier Care

Although stomach cancer often causes no symptoms during its early stages, appropriate screening and risk assessment may increase the chance of detecting abnormalities sooner. Earlier detection can offer better treatment opportunities and improve quality of life.

How Can Stomach Cancer Risk Be Assessed Without Symptoms?

Current technology can help assess the risk of stomach cancer through a blood test that analyses biomolecules associated with cancer development.

This type of risk assessment may be an option for people with risk factors or those interested in preventive healthcare. The results may help doctors determine whether further examination, such as gastrointestinal endoscopy, should be considered.

microRNA: Small Signals in the Blood That May Support Earlier Detection

Many people are familiar with DNA, but the body also contains small molecules called microRNAs, or miRNAs, which help regulate gene activity within cells.

When cells begin to undergo abnormal changes, including cancer-related changes, the patterns of certain microRNAs may also change. These alterations can be detected in the blood.

Abnormal microRNA levels may therefore serve as early signals of changes occurring within the body, even before noticeable symptoms develop.

GASTROClear analyses multiple microRNAs together to assess the risk of stomach cancer and support doctors in deciding whether additional examinations may be appropriate.

Key Features of GASTROClear

๐ Simple and minimally invasive: Only 5–6 millilitres of blood are required.

๐ No fasting required: The test can be performed without advance preparation.

๐ Supports early-stage detection: It has a reported sensitivity of up to 87.5% for detecting stage 1 stomach cancer, when treatment outcomes are generally most favourable.

๐ Effective risk assessment: It provides better risk-assessment performance than using CEA or CA19-9 alone.

What Does Early Detection Mean?

GASTROClear assesses stomach cancer risk through a blood test and may help identify people who should undergo further examination.

When the result indicates a high level of risk, a doctor may recommend endoscopy to confirm the findings and develop an appropriate care plan.

GASTROClear does not replace endoscopy. It is an additional option that supports early screening and risk assessment.

Who Should Consider the Test?

๐ People aged 40 years or older

๐ People with a family history of stomach cancer

๐ People with a history of Helicobacter pylori infection or gastritis

๐ People with risk-related habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or regularly consuming salty, fermented, pickled, or processed foods

๐ Health-conscious individuals aged 18 years or older who are interested in preventive screening

๐ Important note: GASTROClear results provide a risk assessment and do not constitute a diagnosis of stomach cancer.

Know Earlier Assess Earlier and Plan Care Earlier

Understanding your risk at an early stage can help you receive appropriate diagnostic examinations sooner. When stomach cancer is detected early, it may increase the opportunity for timely treatment and lead to a better prognosis.

 

Reference :

N Health Asia Blog Health 10 ASTROClear

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