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Screening for Stomach Cancer

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Screening is a way to evaluate people without symptoms to determine if they are at risk for cancer or have already developed cancer.

At this time, there are no official screening guidelines for stomach cancer. Testing is only recommended for people who are experiencing symptoms suggestive of this cancer. People who smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol, however, should be advised to stop, and informed of their greatly increased risk of stomach cancer and other serious diseases.

However, endoscopic screening or upper gastrointestinal imaging is standard for those >50 years old in countries of high incidence (eg, Japan).

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Cashen AF, Wildes TM. The Washington Manual; Hematology and Oncology Subspeciality Consult. 2nd ed. Wolter Kluwers; 2008.

  • Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002: 738-741.

  • Conn’s Current Therapy 2002. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002: 527-529.

  • Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 1998: 733-749.

  • What is stomach cancer? American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/ . Accessed December 2002.

  • What you need to know about stomach cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/stomach . Accessed December 2002.