What is Gastric Cancer/GC?

Gastric cancer is cancer of the stomach. Symptoms include regular heartburn, gastric reflux, indigestion, bloating, weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain amongsts others. Majority of GC cases arise from stomach infection due to the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori, or H. Pylori. H. Pylori is a hardy bacteria that is able to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and can persist indefinitely if not treated. Its prevalence increases with age, and it is estimated that more than 70% of Singaporeans above 65 years old are carrying the bacteria. Do note that a H. Pylori infection does not lead on to gastric cancer most of the time.

How common is GC?

GC is considered common worldwide and Singapore is no exception. According to the National Cancer Centre of Singapore, it is the 7th most common cancer for Singaporean men and the 9th most common for women. It is also the 4th and 5th most frequent cancer death for Singaporean men and women respectively.

What are the survival rates for GC?

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, majority of GC cases here over the last 40 years have only been reported when the disease had already spread and hence had suvival rates as low as less than 10%. However the situation has been improving due to a trend of earlier detection of GC. According to the American Cancer Society, if detected in the initial stages, GC survival rates can be higher than 50%.

How is GC detected?

Usually GC is detected when patients consult the doctor regarding symptoms that are mentioned above. An endoscope is then done if the doctor suspects if there is any cancer. Biopsies are taken and samples sent to the labs for culture and confirmation. In the 2nd half of 2016, ResteLab is going to carry a gastric cancer test that uses ELISA-based technology that is non-invasive and sensitive. Furthermore, it is able to differentiate between GC and normal H. Pylori infections.