A recent mainland news story has drawn widespread attention: a 29-year-old young man consumed takeaway meals more than 300 times in a year, leading to a stomach cancer diagnosis and the removal of two-thirds of his stomach. Is takeaway food truly that harmful? Clinical oncologist Dr Lam Ka On explains that takeaway meals, due to their convenience in preparation, heating and storage, often contain high levels of salt, oil and processed ingredients. Long-term high-dose intake of nitrites in these foods can indeed increase the risk of stomach and colorectal cancer. Dr Lam stresses that stomach cancer is largely caused by poor dietary habits, yet not all takeaway food is “poisonous”; the key lies in long-term habits.

Understanding the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Besides diet, other controllable risk factors exist. Dr Lam Ka On highlights lifestyle habits first: reduce smoking and alcohol, exercise more and maintain healthy weight. Each 5 unit increase in body mass index raises the associated risk by 23%. Second is Helicobacter pylori infection. Helicobacter pylori has been classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen; prolonged infection significantly elevates cancer risk. Improving lifestyle and addressing infection early are therefore crucial for stomach cancer prevention.

Early symptoms of stomach cancer are often subtle and easily overlooked. Patients may experience only mild stomach pain, nausea or bloating, mistaking them for stress. If symptoms persist or worsen, vigilance is needed. As the tumor grows, patients may experience difficulty swallowing and vomiting; if the tumor bleeds, they may also vomit coffee-ground-like material or pass black stools. Advanced metastasis can lead to ascites, bone pain or shortness of breath. Dr Lam Ka On notes these symptoms are not inevitable but persistent ones warrant prompt medical attention.

Gastroscopy and Tumor Markers for Diagnosing Stomach Cancer

The primary diagnostic method for stomach cancer is gastroscopy. After reviewing medical history, doctors arrange endoscopy if stomach issues are suspected. The scope enters via the nose or mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, with tissue biopsy taken for microscopic confirmation of cancer cells. Blood tumour markers such as CEA or CA19-9 monitor treatment response but alone cannot diagnose cancer. Biomarker testing has become vital, including tumour HER2, Claudin 18.2 and PD-L1, guiding selection of targeted drugs or immunotherapy.

Treatment of Stomach Cancer: Surgery Combined with Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy

Stomach cancer treatment has advanced significantly. Dr Lam Ka On states that for early, non-metastatic cases, surgical resection is essential for cure, often combined with pre- and post-operative chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Many fear inability to eat after gastrectomy; this is a misconception. Patients can still consume food orally to the remaining stomach or small intestine, just like ordinary people, though the adaptation period is longer and requires dietary adjustments. Biomarker testing enables more precise treatment, with targeted agents and immunotherapy reducing chemotherapy toxicity and improving outcomes.

Stomach Cancer Recurrence Rates Are Expected to Decline

Recurrence rates depend on stage. Stage I offers over 95% cure rate, but most Hong Kong cases are Stage II or III with nearly 50% recurrence. Dr Lam Ka On explains that adding systemic therapy—chemotherapy or newer immunotherapy—before or after surgery effectively lowers recurrence risk. Ongoing medical research promises even better results.

Stomach Cancer Screening

Hong Kong currently has no government stomach cancer screening guidelines due to cost-effectiveness and local data considerations. However, individuals with persistent discomfort or family history should discuss gastroscopy with their doctor. Countries like Korea, Japan and high-incidence mainland regions already run successful screening programmes.

In summary, although stomach cancer is serious, it can be effectively managed through lifestyle improvements, symptom awareness and early diagnosis. Patients in need may consult their doctor for timely assessment and treatment.

More information about stomach cancer: Stomach Cancer

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Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

Q1: Can takeaway meals really cause stomach cancer?

A: Long-term consumption of high-salt, high-oil takeaway with processed ingredients and nitrites does increase stomach cancer risk, but not every meal is harmful; the issue is avoiding chronic poor dietary habits.

Q2: What are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?

A: Early signs are subtle, such as mild stomach pain, nausea or bloating, often mistaken for stress. Persistent or worsening symptoms require attention.

Q3: Does stomach cancer always require stomach removal?

A: For early non-metastatic cancer, surgical resection is necessary for cure and may involve partial or total gastrectomy. Patients can still eat normally afterwards, with an adaptation period and dietary adjustments.

Q4: How high is the recurrence rate of stomach cancer and how to reduce it?

A: Stage I cure rate exceeds 95%, but most Hong Kong cases are Stage II or III with nearly 50% recurrence. Pre- or post-operative chemotherapy or immunotherapy can effectively lower the risk.

Q5: How is stomach cancer diagnosed and treated?

A: Diagnosis relies on gastroscopy plus biopsy. Treatment uses biomarker testing to select targeted drugs or immunotherapy alongside surgery for better efficacy and less toxicity.

Q6: What prevention methods are available?

A: Reduce smoking and alcohol, exercise more, control weight and address Helicobacter pylori infection. Healthy lifestyle habits are the most effective prevention.

Q7: Is there stomach cancer screening in Hong Kong?

A: No routine government programme exists, but those with symptoms or family history should discuss gastroscopy with their doctor for early checks.

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