“No pain, but stomach cancer?” ... Why it is often detected without symptoms [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Stomach cancer is often detected during screening in people with no symptoms. In its early stages, it may cause no clear signs or be difficult to distinguish from common gastrointestinal symptoms. For people over 40, regular gastroscopy—even without symptoms—is the surest way to prepare.
Even when people repeatedly feel bloated and uncomfortable, as if they have indigestion after eating, most dismiss it as temporary indigestion or gastritis. But stomach cancer also often begins with these familiar symptoms. That is why it is important to know its characteristics and risk factors, as well as the warning signs to look out for.
Stomach cancer is a broad term for malignant tumors that develop in the stomach. Most cases are gastric adenocarcinomas, which arise from glandular cells in the stomach lining. Cancer that begins in the innermost layer, the mucosa, can gradually grow deep into the stomach wall and, as it advances, spread to nearby lymph nodes as well as other organs, including the liver, lungs and peritoneum.
Jo Jun-hyeong, a professor of gastroenterology at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, said, “How deeply the cancer has invaded the stomach wall is an important factor in determining the course of treatment. Stomach cancer is one of the relatively common cancers in Korea. Its incidence rises after people reach their 50s, and it is more common in men than in women.”

Stomach cancer develops through the combined effects of multiple factors. One of the most important is infection with Helicobacter pylori. It can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, potentially leading to changes such as atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia. A diet that frequently includes salty foods, processed foods and charred foods can also continually irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk. The risk rises further with smoking and heavy drinking. Family history, previous stomach-removal surgery and chronic gastritis may also play a role.
Early-stage stomach cancer causes few or no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they tend to be common ones such as heartburn, bloating and indigestion. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include weight loss, reduced appetite, difficulty swallowing food, recurrent vomiting, anemia and signs of bleeding such as black stools. By then, however, the disease is often already quite advanced.
That is why persistence matters more than the severity of symptoms. Even if the pain is not severe, recurring discomfort should not automatically be dismissed as a simple digestive problem; its cause should be checked. In particular, seek medical attention immediately if unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, difficulty swallowing and black stools occur.

The most accurate way to check for stomach cancer is a gastroscopy. If an abnormal area is found, a biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis, and tests such as CT scans are then used to assess how far the disease has progressed and determine the course of treatment.
To help prevent stomach cancer, cut down on salty and spicy foods, eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. If a Helicobacter pylori infection is confirmed, it is advisable to consult a specialist about whether to seek treatment.
Professor Jo emphasized, “Stomach cancer can be treated successfully if detected early, but the later it is found, the more complex and burdensome treatment may become.” He added, “If stomach discomfort persists, don’t simply assume it is indigestion; get an accurate examination to find out the cause.”
[email protected] Jeong Myeong-jin, Medical Specialist Reporter