Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers in Hong Kong. In 2023, there were 1,284 new cases of stomach cancer, accounting for 3.4% of all new cancer cases. Based on crude incidence rates, there were approximately 17 new cases per 100,000 people in Hong Kong.

Because early-stage gastric cancer often presents with no obvious symptoms, many patients are already in an advanced stage by the time they receive a diagnosis. At OncoCare, we deeply understand the stress you and your family face when dealing with the uncertainty of a diagnosis. Our oncologists are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support—from precise screening and personalised treatment to the recovery process or follow-up care. No matter what stage you are in, we will walk alongside you every step of the way.

Understanding the causes of stomach cancer helps with early prevention and health management. Certain risk factors may contribute to the development of stomach cancer. The following are the main causes:

• Pre-existing conditions: Chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric polyps, or a history of gastric resection can alter the gastric environment. In particular, Helicobacter pylori infection—a bacterium that triggers chronic inflammation and damages the gastric mucosa—is one of the most common causes of stomach cancer.

• Heavy alcohol consumption: Long-term or excessive alcohol intake may irritate the stomach lining, promote chronic inflammation, and is associated with an increased risk of several gastrointestinal cancers.

• Smoking: Nicotine and tar in tobacco enter the body through the respiratory tract; some of these substances enter the stomach via saliva, directly irritating and damaging the cells lining the stomach wall.

• Family history: If one or more family members have had stomach cancer, your risk of developing the disease is relatively higher. This is generally associated with hereditary gene mutations (such as the CDH1 gene) or similar dietary habits among family members (such as long-term consumption of high-salt or pickled foods).

Following diagnosis, accurately assessing the stage of gastric cancer is central to developing a personalized treatment plan. Gastric cancer staging is usually based on the TNM system, which assesses how deeply the tumour has invaded the stomach wall, the extent of nearby lymph node involvement, and whether the cancer has spread to distant organs. In general:

Stage 0: Cancer cells are limited to the innermost lining of the stomach, also known as carcinoma in situ.

Stage I: The cancer is still relatively early and may be limited to the inner layers of the stomach wall or involve only a small number of nearby lymph nodes.

Stage II: The cancer has grown more deeply into the stomach wall or involves more nearby lymph nodes.

Stage III: The cancer has grown deeply through the stomach wall, involves multiple nearby lymph nodes, or has invaded nearby tissues or organs.

Stage IV, or metastatic stomach cancer: The cancer has spread to distant organs or sites, such as the peritoneum, distant lymph nodes, liver, lungs, brain, or bones.

The exact stage should be determined by a doctor based on endoscopy findings, pathology results, imaging scans, and, where applicable, surgical findings.

No matter what stage of stomach cancer you or your family are facing, you are not alone. At OncoCare, our team of specialists will provide a detailed explanation of your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that combines surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. We understand that gastrointestinal cancers can present challenges regarding diet and nutrition, so our team will guide you and your family throughout the process in adjusting your dietary plan, committed to safeguarding your quality of life.

To confirm the condition and determine the appropriate treatment, OncoCare arranges diagnostic tests for patients with suspected or confirmed stomach cancer. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy is the main method used to diagnose stomach cancer:

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): This allows the doctor to directly examine suspicious areas within the digestive tract, making it a key method for early detection of abnormalities.

Gastric Biopsy: A very small tissue sample is taken during the endoscopy for pathological analysis to determine whether cancer is present.

Advanced Imaging Scans: If cancer is suspected to have spread, a CT scan or PET-CT scan may be required to check for any metastases in distant parts of the body.

When you have concerns about your stomach health, we are committed to providing you with a patient-centered, personalized medical experience:

High-Privacy Consultation Environment: Our clinics are conveniently located in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, offering you a comfortable and highly private specialist care setting.

Experienced Medical Team: You will be personally assessed and monitored by clinical oncologists and a multidisciplinary team.

Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Treatment Plans: We combine expertise from various specialties with evidence-based advanced technologies to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

Supporting You and Your Family Every Step of the Way: We understand that a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. Our team provides full support throughout the journey—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery or follow-up care—ensuring eace of mind for both patients and their caregivers.