"Indigestion, stomach pain, physical fatigue", these seemingly common symptoms may actually be precursors to gastric cancer. The following 4 are common gastric cancer questions:
1. How common is stomach cancer?
Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer in Hong Kong, but it ranks fourth among the "cancer killers". According to figures from the Hospital Authority, there are nearly 1,000 new cases every year. The incidence rate in men is higher than that in women, with the average age at 68 years old.
The average age of onset is that female patients aged 20 to 40 have increased significantly in recent years. Therefore, gastric cancer is not actually a rare disease, and patients may be more likely to die from it. Please do not take it lightly.
2. 2. What are the symptoms of gastric cancer?
In the early stages of gastric cancer, the disease is not obvious and can easily be ignored. Indigestion, upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc. are the most common symptoms of gastric cancer. At the same time, patients may also experience nausea, vomiting with blood, and physical fatigue.
3. 3. Who are at high risk of gastric cancer?
The risk of gastric cancer increases with age, so older people are more likely to develop gastric cancer. In addition, gender is also an influencing factor. Men are generally more susceptible to gastric cancer. Frequent consumption of salted foods, processed meat products, and obesity are also high risk factors for cancer.
4. 4. How can I check for stomach cancer?
Gastroscopy (OGD): The doctor will insert a flexible tube (gastroscope) equipped with a lens through the mouth to observe the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. If you find that you have stomach pain, bloating, chest burning, etc., you may consider undergoing this examination.
Helicobacter pylori breath test: One of the main causes of gastric cancer is infection with Helicobacter pylori, which may also lead to chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer. This breath test can detect Helicobacter pylori in the body. It is a non-invasive test, so it is relatively safe and reliable. However, people who have undergone stomach treatment are not suitable for this test.
Everyone should take precautions and get a physical examination as early as possible to know the health status of their stomach!
The above information is for reference only. Consult your doctor if you have any doubt.
