With the emphasis on the concept of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of gastric cancer, more and more people are taking the initiative to participate in early screening for gastric cancer, which is significant in improving the detection rate of early gastric cancer. However, it is also important to maintain a proper understanding of gastric cancer screening and avoid the following misconceptions about it.
Misconception 1: Screening from time to time can reduce the risk of cancer
The mechanism of gastric cancer is very complex and is related to many factors such as demographic factors, genetic factors, living environment, and dietary habits. The purpose of screening is to detect gastric cancer early, but screening does not reduce the risk of cancer, nor does more frequent and more complex screening increase the chance of early detection of gastric cancer. The more frequent and complex the screening, the better the chances of early detection of gastric cancer. Over-testing increases panic and financial burden, and invasive tests such as gastroscopy carry certain risks.
There is already a common screening process in China, and it is usually recommended that people who are 40 years old and meet certain criteria start screening, and depending on the risk assessment for gastric cancer, decide whether to undergo further tests such as gastroscopy, and then have a gastroscopy about every 1 to 3 years thereafter.
Misconception 2: If the screening result is normal, you can rest easy
First of all, it is important to understand that no test is perfect, and screening can be a “false negative,” meaning that some patients who already have stomach cancer may not be detected by screening. Therefore, a negative screening test is not a permanent solution, and it is important to follow your doctor’s advice and have regular follow-ups depending on your risk of stomach cancer.
Some people don’t find any abnormalities after screening, so they let their guard down and even start to “indulge” in their daily habits and diet, such as eating a high-salt, pickled diet, and continuing to smoke and drink alcohol, which increases their risk of cancer.
Myth #3: Abnormal screening means you have stomach cancer
Some indicators may be abnormal during gastric cancer screening, but this does not necessarily mean that you have gastric cancer. On the one hand, some indicators can be elevated in normal people or in benign diseases, such as tumor markers; on the other hand, screening indicators can also be “false positives,” meaning that some people who do not have stomach cancer show signs of stomach cancer. The doctor will usually analyze the abnormal indicators and review them if necessary.
Some people will spend their days in fear because of abnormal screening results and even start seeking unnecessary treatment. In fact, the first thing to do when an abnormality is found on a screening test is to consult your doctor and listen to his or her analysis of the test results and recommendations. For example, the words “intestinal epithelial metaplasia” and “mild to moderate heterogeneous hyperplasia” found in gastroscopy pathology are “precancerous lesions”, but only a small percentage of precancerous lesions will eventually develop into gastric cancer. The company’s main goal is to provide a comprehensive range of products and services to the public.
In general, just because you don’t find an abnormality during a stomach cancer screening doesn’t mean you can let your guard down, and finding an abnormality doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. The best approach is to communicate with your doctor about the screening results in a timely manner and to listen to your doctor’s professional advice.