Gastric cancer screening

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, begins in the lining of the stomach. It tends to develop slowly over the years and may go unnoticed in its early stages.

Early-stage symptoms can be mild or nonexistent. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Persistent discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen
• Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Dark stools (a sign of internal bleeding)
• Vomiting blood (in more advanced cases)
  
  

Key Facts and Figures

As of 2020, gastric cancer was the 6th most common cancer worldwide. In Colombia, according to 2023 reports, it was the 5th most reported cancer, accounting for 4.2% of all diagnosed cancers, with an average age of onset at 65 years. Alarmingly, more than 50% of cases were diagnosed at Stage IV, and less than 10% were identified at Stage 0 (in situ) or Stage I—when endoscopic treatments may still be possible.

Screening Challenges

Currently, Colombia does not have a national screening guideline for gastric cancer. However, many national and international medical societies recommend screening based on the presence of symptoms and risk factors such as:

• Family history of gastric cancer
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• Chronic gastric atrophy
• Genetic conditions that increase cancer risk (e.g., Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis)

If symptoms are present, or if risk factors exist, the recommended age for first upper endoscopy is 35 years—or even earlier depending on the individual’s medical history.