Stomach Cancer Screening

by Specialist

These tests are used to screen for different types of cancer when a person is asymptomatic.

Scientists study screening methods to find the ones that do the least harm and the most good. Cancer screening tests also aim to show whether early detection (finding cancer before symptoms appear) can help extend a person’s life or reduce a person’s chances of dying from cancer. For some types of cancer, the chances of recovery are higher if they are caught early and given treatment.

There is no standard or routine screening method for gastric cancer.

Research has focused on several screening methods aimed at early detection of gastric cancer. These screening methods include the following:

  • Barium X-ray fluoroscopy: A series of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach. The patient takes a liquid containing barium (a silvery-white metallic compound), which covers the surface of the esophagus and stomach when swallowed. Photographs are taken using X-ray images. The photographs are processed to make the organs easier to view and to form images. This method makes it possible to observe organ movement and the patient is only exposed to less radiation.
    Taking a barium meal to detect gastric cancer. The patient swallows a barium solution, which flows through the esophagus and into the stomach. An X-ray is used to examine the abnormal area.
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: This procedure is designed to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine) to check for abnormal areas. The endoscope enters through the mouth and passes through the pharynx directly into the esophagus. The endoscope is a long, thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for easy viewing. It may also have tools to remove tissue, and the removed tissue is examined under the microscope after the procedure for signs of disease.
    Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A thin, glowing tube is inserted into the mouth to look for abnormal areas in the esophagus, stomach, and beginning segment of the small intestine.
  • Serum pepsinogen level: The level of pepsinogen in the blood is measured. Low pepsinogen is indicative of chronic gastric atrophy, which can lead to gastric cancer.

    Studies have shown that mass screening for gastric cancer using these methods does not reduce the risk of death from gastric cancer.

    More research is needed to clarify whether screening people at high risk for gastric cancer in the United States is worthwhile. Scientists believe that people with certain risk factors may benefit from gastric cancer screening. These include:

  • The elderly population with chronic gastric atrophy or pernicious anemia.
  • Patients who have had
  • Partial gastrectomy
  • Gastric polyps.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
  • Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
  • People from countries where gastric cancer is common.

    Screening methods for gastric cancer are being investigated in clinical trials.

    Information about NCI-supported clinical trials can be found on the NCI’s Clinical Trials Search page. Clinical trials supported by other organizations can be found on the ClinicalTrials.gov website.