[Click! Health] Increasing Stomach Cancer Cases in 2030... Importance of Early Screening Grows

'5 Major Cancers in Koreans' Stomach Cancer
Main Cause: Helicobacter pylori
Early Prevention through Stomach Health Screening

Gastric cancer is a common cancer among Koreans, with South Korea known as the country with the highest incidence rate of gastric cancer worldwide. Approximately 30,000 gastric cancer patients are diagnosed annually. In particular, due to dietary habits centered on spicy, salty, and greasy meat, as well as frequent alcohol consumption and smoking, the incidence rate of gastric cancer is rapidly increasing even among the 20s and 30s age groups. In contrast, the rate of gastric cancer screening is low, highlighting the growing importance of stomach health checkups that can detect and treat gastric cancer early.

Image related to liver health [Image provided by GC Green Cross Medical Foundation]

Gastric cancer occurs due to a combination of factors including lifestyle habits and hereditary factors, but among these, Helicobacter pylori is identified as a major causative agent. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that parasitizes between the gastric mucosa and mucus and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is known that 90% of all gastric cancers are caused by Helicobacter pylori. When infected with this bacterium, the risk of gastric cancer is reported to be 2 to 10 times higher compared to those not infected.

If symptoms such as ▲heartburn and indigestion ▲loss of appetite and weight loss ▲upper abdominal pain and discomfort appear after gastritis or gastric ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection can be suspected. Treatment is possible with simple medication.

For those with stomach diseases or a family history of gastric cancer, treating Helicobacter pylori can reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer in advance. Testing can be done through breath tests or gastroscopy. Gastroscopy is effective for confirming Helicobacter pylori infection and detecting early gastric cancer because it allows for simultaneous examination of gastric lesions and biopsy. However, some people have fears related to discomfort, perforation, or bleeding associated with gastroscopy. In such cases, the GastroPanel test, which can assess Helicobacter infection and gastric acid secretion status through a blood test, can be used as a complementary method.

Dr. Lee Ji-won, a specialist in diagnostic laboratory medicine at GC Green Cross Medical Foundation, said, "Removing Helicobacter pylori, a major causative agent of gastric cancer, through testing can significantly reduce the incidence of gastric cancer," and added, "Conducting regular gastroscopy along with the GastroPanel test can help eliminate risk factors for gastric cancer in advance."