How to detect stomach cancer early?

In the past, most stomach cancer patients were diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a low survival rate. Nowadays, with the development of modern technology, many people are diagnosed early and receive timely intervention.

Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Thanh Tuyen, Director of 19-8 Hospital, spoke at the conference - Photo: T.HANG

These are the shares of experts at the scientific conference "Advances in endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD) of the digestive tract" organized by Hospital 19-8 on October 25.

At the conference, Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Thanh Tuyen - Director of 19-8 Hospital - shared about efforts in detecting and treating stomach cancer in Vietnam.

He emphasized that the rate of stomach cancer in our country is among the highest in the world, similar to East Asian countries like Japan.

Previously, most patients discovered cancer at a late stage, leading to a low survival rate. However, with the development of technology and cooperation with experts from many countries, the rate of early detection of stomach cancer in Vietnam has improved significantly.

Attending the conference, Dr. Nguyen Cong Long, director of the Gastrointestinal - Hepatobiliary Center of Bach Mai Hospital, also said that early detection and treatment of digestive diseases is extremely important.

According to Dr. Long, in the past, most cases of gastrointestinal cancer were only detected at a late stage, leading to low treatment effectiveness.

However, with new endoscopic techniques, doctors can detect and treat lesions early when they are still in the precancerous stage.

"These early detected lesions help doctors completely remove them through endoscopy without changing the natural physiology of the organ. This increases the chance of successful treatment and improves the patient's quality of life," Dr. Long shared.

Talking about early detection of stomach cancer, Dr. Nguyen The Phuong, lecturer of internal medicine, Hanoi Medical University, said that early detection of gastrointestinal cancer cannot be detected through clinical symptoms.

"When there are clinical symptoms, it means that the cancer is in an advanced stage, no longer in the early stage. Currently, endoscopy is also the most effective method to detect stomach cancer early.

Normally, the standard time for a digestive endoscopy to detect early cancer is 8 minutes, and the technician must take at least 28 photos to ensure that no lesions are missed. These lesions can be early signs of cancer, so that doctors can diagnose and treat them promptly, preventing the risk of development," said Dr. Phuong.

Mr. Tuyen also said that in the past 3 years, 19-8 Hospital has been equipped with a modern endoscopy system, helping the medical team independently perform ESD mucosal separation techniques. The rate of post-operative complications is also well controlled thanks to strict monitoring and cooperation with experts in the field of endoscopy.

When should you get screened for stomach cancer?

Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Thanh Tuyen also emphasized the need to raise public awareness about early detection and early treatment of stomach diseases. Most causes of stomach cancer originate from lifestyle and diet, especially related to poor quality food and HP infection.

Therefore, people need to pay attention to their diet, limit alcohol, tobacco, fast food, etc. to proactively prevent stomach cancer.

Doctor Nguyen Cong Long also recommends that people, especially those over 50 years old and those with high risk factors such as family history, should have regular screening to detect early and reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-hien-ung-thu-da-day-som-bang-cach-nao-20241025120519074.htm