[KoK! Health] Stomach Cancer Without Early Symptoms... Regular Screening Recommended After Age 40

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] It has been revealed that approximately 160,000 people received treatment for stomach cancer last year. In particular, those in their 60s and 70s accounted for 61% of this number, indicating a higher risk among the elderly. Moreover, since stomach cancer often shows no specific symptoms and is frequently detected during health screenings, it is pointed out that regular check-ups after the age of 40 are important.

According to the National Health Insurance Service on the 21st, the number of people treated for stomach cancer increased by 2.5%, from 156,128 in 2017 to 159,975 last year. By age group, those in their 60s accounted for the largest proportion at 33.4% (53,465 people), followed by those in their 70s at 27.6% (44,167 people), and those in their 50s at 18.2% (29,053 people).

By gender, male patients were found to be 2.03 times more than female patients. Professor Choi Seo-hee of the Department of Surgery at National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital explained, "The exact cause has not yet been identified, but it is predicted that the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori, a major risk factor for stomach cancer, is higher in men," adding, "Other major risk factors such as frequent drinking and smoking may also influence the incidence of stomach cancer."

The causes of stomach cancer are multifactorial, but it is known that the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria increases the incidence of stomach cancer by 2 to 6 times. Additionally, precancerous conditions such as atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, as well as poor dietary and lifestyle habits including consumption of salted or processed foods, alcohol, and smoking, can act as risk factors related to stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer shows no specific symptoms in its early stages and is difficult to distinguish from other gastrointestinal diseases. Early-stage stomach cancer is mostly asymptomatic and often detected during health screenings. Symptoms such as vomiting, hematemesis, abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss, anemia, and abdominal distension due to ascites usually indicate that the cancer has progressed significantly.

It was found that the medical expenses per patient for stomach cancer amounted to 3,879,661 KRW last year. In particular, if diagnosed in their 20s, the medical expenses per patient surged to 10,587,000 KRW.

Professor Choi Seo-hee advised for stomach cancer prevention, "It is best to avoid salty foods, burnt foods, and foods containing large amounts of nitrates (such as salted foods, processed meats, and smoked foods), which are known risk factors for stomach cancer, and to refrain from smoking and drinking as much as possible." She added, "High-risk groups with a family history of stomach cancer or findings such as atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia should undergo regular screenings, and if infected with Helicobacter pylori, eradication treatment is also effective in preventing stomach cancer." In particular, she emphasized, "It is important to regularly undergo stomach cancer screenings conducted every two years by the National Health Insurance Service for those aged 40 and above."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.