Cancer is detected late due to confusing symptoms

Stomach pain, heartburn, reflux, and bloating are common ailments that are often associated with minor illnesses.

However, in some cases, they could be warning of the presence of gastric cancer, one of the most common and deadly neoplasms in the world.

Dr. Luis Miguel Celis , a specialist in gastrointestinal oncology, explains that this type of cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. It is also the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the country, with a high mortality rate: 9,000 to 10,000 new cases per year, and between 6,000 and 7,000 people die from this cause.

The specialist indicates that gastric cancer usually originates from changes in the stomach lining, caused by factors such as bacterial infections (mainly Helicobacter pylori), gastric ulcers, persistent heartburn, reflux, and a diet high in sodium or processed foods. This type of diet is common in some Asian nations, such as Japan, where the incidence of this cancer is high.

Among the main risk factors are smoking, alcoholism, overweight, obesity, and lack of physical activity. In Mexico, three out of four people have the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which inflames gastric tissue and can eventually lead to cancer, the specialist adds.

"The problem with this disease is that its symptoms are nonspecific: abdominal pain, bloating, reflux... they are often mistaken for temporary ailments, and people self-medicate with antacids or over-the-counter remedies, which delays diagnosis," warns the specialist. On average, a year or a year and a half passes before the patient sees a doctor.

Dr. Celis emphasizes that the most common age for developing this disease is between 65 and 70 years, although in recent years its prevalence has increased among young adults due to dietary changes, increased tobacco use, and rising obesity.

One of the greatest concerns is that 80% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, when the cancer has already spread to organs such as the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. This significantly reduces the five-year survival rate, which currently stands at just 7%.

Regarding treatments, the doctor explains that they will depend on the stage of the disease. If the tumor is localized, surgery is performed to remove it . In more advanced cases, partial removal of the stomach may be required, in addition to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. When the tumor has already spread, treatment may include targeted therapies , which have shown significant progress.

The specialist, who leads efforts in this area at Astellas Farma, concludes with an exhortation: "Symptoms should not be ignored or self-medicated. If you experience any persistent discomfort, it is essential to see a doctor and undergo a full evaluation."

"When signs such as vomiting, bleeding, or weight loss appear, the cancer is likely in an advanced stage. Early diagnosis saves lives," he concluded.