Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is treatable and curable when detected in early stages. However, it is frequently diagnosed only in late stage, leading to poor survival rates.

“Stay CLEAR of Gastric Cancer”, a free gastric cancer screening campaign by 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) has returned for the third year from October 1 to November 30, 2024 to encourage at-risk individuals to undergo regular screenings for early detection. Interested members of the public aged 40 years and above with a valid blue or orange CHAS card can register for the campaign by November 30, 2024 via the Society’s website.

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, usually occurs when cells in the inner layer of the stomach wall grow and divide without stopping.  Over time, the cells can spread through the muscular and serosa layers of the stomach before metastasising to lymph nodes and distant organs such as the liver, lungs and peritoneal surfaces.

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry 2022 Annual Report, gastric cancer affects almost 600 cases yearly between 2018 and 2021. It is the eighth most common cancer in men and the 10th most common cancer in women.

Gastric cancer may not show any noticeable signs in its early stages. However, some patients may suffer from upper abdominal discomfort, constant indigestion, bloating or belching, loss of appetite and black tools. As these symptoms may be caused by other conditions, many patients only receive their gastric cancer diagnosis at later stages.

In Singapore, 90 percent of patients diagnosed with Stage one gastric cancer had good outcomes with curative treatment. In contrast, the survivorship drops to less than 20 percent for patients diagnosed with Stage four gastric cancer. Late detection has invariably contributed to the high mortality rate of approximately 53 percent of stomach cancer occurrences. Globally, gastric cancer results in approximately 800,000 deaths annually.

Gastric cancer is more frequently occurring among the older age groups, particularly after 50 years old. It is also more common in men, and Singapore males are estimated to have a lifetime risk of 1:50. Individuals with a family history of stomach cancer or a medical history of Helicobacter pylori – a chronic bacterial infection that can result in peptic ulcer disease and gastric malignancy – as well as gastritis and other stomach issues can be at increased risk of gastric cancer.

Andrew Soh, assistant director of fundraising, Marketing and Volunteer Management at 365CPS shared, “The gastric cancer screening process only requires a simple blood test. It is minimally invasive and takes less than a minute. Gastric cancer can be cured if detected early, and patients can continue to live a fulfilling life.” Traditionally, gastric cancer is diagnosed through endoscopy, a procedure perceived to be expensive and invasive.

To help prevent and lower the risk of gastric cancer, 365CPS dietitian Ng Jing Wen encourages living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight. She added, “We recommend eating a balance diet with less salted and preserved foods. Instead, have more fruits and vegetables, especially those that are rich in vitamins to lower the risk of gastric cancer.”

To participate in the gastric cancer screening campaign, applicants can register with 365CPS for a pre-screening consultation, followed by the GASTROClear test at 365CPS screening partners’ facilities. The clinic will schedule a review with the doctor if the test indicates abnormalities, and refer patients to a public health setting if further investigation or treatment is needed.

Stay CLEAR of Gastric Cancer screening campaign is available for individuals who hold a valid blue or orange CHAS card, and are 40 years old and above.

Eligible members of the public can fill in the registration form and find out more information on the 365CPS website: www.365cps.org.sg/stayclearofgastriccancer/. They can also reach out to contact 365CPS.