Blood Test for Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer forms in the lining of the stomach and is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, responsible for nearly 800,000 deaths annually. It is known as a “silent killer” as it rarely shows early symptoms. Early detection is now possible through a simple blood test, which is faster and simpler than endoscopy.
Risk factors
- Age above 55, male gender
- Family history of gastric cancer
- High-salt diet
- Previous stomach surgery, achlorhydria or pernicious anaemia
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Obesity
Signs and symptoms
- Indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation, bloating
- Loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing
- Advanced: fatigue, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss
Health Screening for Men Above 50
Men are less likely to seek regular check-ups, but screenings after 50 can detect conditions before symptoms appear. Recommended screenings include depression, Hepatitis A/B/C, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, HIV, and overweight/obesity assessment.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
High blood pressure occurs when arterial pressure is consistently elevated. If untreated, it can lead to stroke, cardiac arrest, and kidney disease. Controllable risk factors include unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol. Management includes healthy eating, regular exercise, home BP monitoring and prescribed medication.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone, causing fatigue, feeling cold, depression and constipation. Diagnosis is via a blood test (TSH). Causes include immune conditions, radiation, genetics or iodine imbalance. Untreated, it can cause obesity, joint pain and organ damage.
High Cholesterol
Excess cholesterol builds up in artery walls and raises the risk of serious disease. No fixed symptoms appear, so regular blood tests are important. Improve cholesterol through medication, a low-saturated-fat diet, regular physical activity and weight management.
Diabetes
Diabetes results from the body’s inability to properly process glucose. Type 1 mainly affects younger people; Type 2 is more common in adults. Symptoms include blurred vision, frequent urination, weight loss and slow-healing wounds. Diagnosed via blood glucose testing. Prevent with a healthy diet, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is caused by 5 virus strains (A–E) that inflame the liver. Common symptoms across types include nausea, vomiting, jaundice and joint pain.
- Hepatitis A (HAV) – spread via contaminated food/water or direct oral contact; usually resolves without liver damage. Treatment is supportive care; avoid alcohol.
- Hepatitis B (HBV) – spread via body fluids or at birth; rarely fatal; monitored every 6–12 months. Avoid alcohol; no complete cure but medications help.
- Hepatitis C (HCV) – spread via blood; 60–70% develop liver disease. Combination therapy is the main treatment.
Prevention includes vaccination, safe sex practices, ensuring sterile needles, and maintaining a strong immune system.
Contact Faith Medical Group or drop by any of our clinics for more information.