Silent Symptoms, Deadly Delays:
November Is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month
November in the Philippines brings cool mornings, the earthy scent of rain-soaked ground, and the cheerful sound of Christmas carols drifting through the malls. It’s a lovely time when families begin coming together and the holiday spirit starts to fill the air. Yet beneath the warmth of this month lies a shadow that demands our attention: gastric cancer, a silent thief that steals lives while its victims remain unaware. November is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, we must confront this disease not with fear, but with the fierce urgency of early detection.
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, starts in the lining of the stomach. Its early symptoms can be easy to miss: indigestion, bloating, or a slight loss of appetite may seem like ordinary stomach upset. As the disease progresses, warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, or feeling full after eating only a little may appear. By then, the cancer may already have spread. In the Philippines, the outlook can be especially concerning. A ten-year study at a major tertiary hospital found that 54.5% of gastric cancer patients were diagnosed at Stage IV, while only a small fraction were diagnosed early. The median overall survival for these patients was 8.7 months. Behind these numbers are people and families facing a difficult reality and missed chances for earlier diagnosis.
Early detection can make a remarkable difference. When gastric cancer is found while it is still confined to the stomach, the outlook can change dramatically. Survival rates for early-stage disease can exceed 90%, and in some cases, the cancer can be removed with minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, helping preserve the stomach and the patient’s quality of life. By contrast, advanced disease may require grueling chemotherapy and extensive surgery, with a median survival of only one to two years. The difference between these outcomes is profound not just in months, but in lifetimes.
Screening can help bridge that gap. For people at higher risk, those over 45 with a family history of stomach cancer, an H. pylori infection, chronic gastritis, or stomach polyps, regular endoscopy is considered the gold standard. An endoscope is a thin tube with a camera that allows doctors to examine the stomach lining, spot areas of concern, and take biopsies to confirm a diagnosis. It’s understandable to feel anxious about the procedure, but its potential to save lives is significant. For people at average risk, paying attention to subtle symptoms is still important. Persistent indigestion that doesn’t improve with usual remedies, a sudden aversion to meat, or feeling full after eating only a small amount are symptoms worth discussing with a doctor.
Treatment for gastric cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis. For localized disease, surgery to remove the tumor and nearby tissue is usually the first step, often followed by chemotherapy to address any remaining cancer cells. For locally advanced disease, chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be given before surgery to help shrink the tumor and improve outcomes. In metastatic cases, treatment focuses on controlling the disease and extending survival with systemic therapies tailored to the tumor’s genetic profile. Each treatment path is shaped by when the cancer is diagnosed. Earlier detection can make the journey gentler and offer greater hope.
This November, let’s speak up about gastric cancer and help more people recognize its warning signs. We can learn together and share what we know with the people we care about. We can also support accessible screening for those at risk. In memory of those we’ve lost, let’s do what we can to protect those who may still be saved. Gastric cancer’s story doesn’t have to end in tragedy. With awareness, vigilance, and the courage to act early, we can create a more hopeful future, one life and one early diagnosis at a time.