GASTROClear
Symptoms of Gastric Cancer
Know the warning signs and seek professional help to fight cancer early.
What are the signs of gastric cancer?
Gastric cancer usually has no early warning signs. Symptoms are often nonspecific and typically do not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Symptoms of gastric cancer may include the following:
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort (dyspepsia)
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in vomit
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Black-colored stools
What are the most frequent causes of gastric cancer?
While the exact causes of stomach cancer are unclear, some factors are known to increase an individual’s risk.
These risk factors include:
- Family history of stomach cancer
- Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- Diet high in smoked food, salted fish and meat, and pickled food
- Diet low in fruit and vegetables
- History of chronic gastritis
- Cigarette smoking
Who should be tested with GASTROClear?
GASTROClear is a blood test – the first of its kind in the world – designed to detect gastric cancer in people who may be at risk but are not yet experiencing any symptoms.
Patients experiencing any symptoms of gastric cancer should seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional immediately.
GASTROClear is intended for adults of either sex, aged 40 years or older, at average risk of having gastric cancer with one of the following risk factors:
- Family history of gastric cancer
- A history of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
- Long-term stomach inflammation (chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia)
- Diet containing large amounts of fried food, smoked food, salted fish, processed meat, and pickled food.
- Diet containing nitrites and nitrates (substances commonly found in cured meats).
- Diet low in fruit and vegetables.
- Smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gastric cancer?
Gastric cancer is a disease in which malignant, or cancerous, cells form in the lining of the stomach.
What are the first signs of stomach cancer?
The first signs of gastric cancer are often vague. Specifically, the signs may be heartburn, indigestion, a change in appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Are stomach cancer symptoms in women different than in men?
Men are at higher risk of gastric cancer than women. However, the signs and symptoms of gastric cancer are similar for men and women.
What are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?
Gastric cancer typically causes no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the disease advances, the symptoms are often vague and non-specific.
How can you prevent stomach cancer?
There is no sure way to prevent gastric cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. These include staying at a healthy weight, maintaining a lifestyle with regular physical activity, avoiding or limiting alcohol, and keeping to a healthy diet.
Is stomach cancer curable?
Stomach cancer is curable if detected in the early stages.
What is a gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy, also known as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD), is a procedure where a tube with a light and camera on it is used to look for any physical changes on the surface of the upper digestive tract.
What is the preparation for a gastroscopy?
You are required to fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure to ensure that your stomach is completely empty.
Does the GASTROClear test need any special preparation?
No special preparation is needed for the GASTROClear test, which only requires a simple blood draw.
Can gastric cancer be diagnosed without biopsy?
No. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but a confirmed diagnosis is only possible with a biopsy.
Is there a genetic predisposition for gastric cancer?
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is a rare inherited condition associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The gene most commonly associated with HDGC is called CDH1. A mutation (alteration) in the CDH1 gene gives a person an increased risk of developing gastric cancer.
Where can you get tested?
The GASTROClear test is available at over 200 clinics and hospitals in Singapore.