Can a Blood Test Detect Stomach Cancer?

Blood tests alone aren’t enough to establish a stomach cancer diagnosis, and here’s why:

• • False Positives – Blood test results might suggest abnormalities that aren’t cancer-related. For example, high CA 19-9 could be due to infections or benign conditions like chronic gastritis.
  • False Negatives – Early-stage stomach cancer might not cause detectable changes in blood work, leading to normal results even when cancer is present.
  • Limited Accuracy – Blood tests don’t provide information about tumour size, location, or spread—key factors in identifying and treating cancer.

It’s important to combine blood tests with other diagnostic tools like endoscopy and imaging.

→ A Real-Life Example

A patient with elevated CA 19-9 levels underwent follow-up testing. After an endoscopy and biopsy, doctors determined the patient had chronic gastritis instead of cancer. This shows the importance of a thorough diagnostic process beyond blood tests.

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If blood test results raise concerns, here’s what comes next:

Physical Examination & Symptom Analysis

Your doctor will ask about symptoms like:

• • Persistent stomach pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea, fatigue, or vomiting blood

→ Endoscopy (Gastroscopy)

This is the most reliable test for stomach cancer detection. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the throat to directly visualize the stomach lining. If abnormalities are found, the doctor will take a biopsy.

→ Biopsy & Histopathology

A biopsy involves taking small samples of stomach tissue for lab analysis. This step is the gold standard for confirming stomach cancer.

→ Imaging Tests

If cancer is confirmed, imaging like CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, or PET scans helps determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (staging).

💡 Tip: Don’t delay seeking an endoscopy if you have symptoms. Blood tests alone won’t give you the full picture. Consult Specialist at Kolhapur Cancer Centre

The future of stomach cancer detection is promising, especially with advances in blood-based technology.

→ Liquid Biopsy & Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)

• • These emerging tests detect fragments of cancer DNA circulating in the bloodstream.
  • Liquid biopsies have the potential to catch cancer much earlier than traditional methods.

→ Blood-Based Biomarkers

Researchers are actively identifying reliable blood markers specifically linked to stomach cancer.

Although these technologies are exciting, they are still in the testing phases and not yet widely available as standard diagnostic tools.

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some actionable steps you can take to lower your risk of stomach cancer:

1. Eradicate H. pylori

If your blood test shows an H. pylori infection, a course of antibiotics can help protect your stomach lining.

2. Follow a Healthy Diet

• • Eat more fibre-rich fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid processed meats, high-sodium foods, and excessive alcohol.

3. Limit NSAID Use

Overuse of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can damage your stomach lining over time. Consider alternatives for pain relief.

4. Regular Screenings

If you have a family history of stomach cancer or are at high risk, speak to a doctor about routine screenings like endoscopy.

📖 Case Study 1:

A 55-year-old man ignored symptoms of persistent stomach pain until a blood test revealed anemia. Follow-up endoscopy showed early-stage stomach cancer, which was successfully treated.

📖 Case Study 2:

Another patient with high CA 19-9 levels feared the worst but was diagnosed with chronic gastritis instead—and fully recovered with lifestyle changes.

These real-life examples emphasize the importance of proper testing and early intervention.

1️⃣ Can a routine blood test detect stomach cancer?

No, stomach cancer requires additional tests like endoscopy with biopsy for confirmation.

2️⃣ Are tumor markers always elevated in stomach cancer?

No, tumor markers may remain normal in the early stages of stomach cancer or may be elevated due to non-cancerous conditions.

3️⃣ How can I confirm if I have stomach cancer?

An endoscopy with biopsy is the most definitive method to diagnose stomach cancer.

4️⃣ What should I do if my blood test results are abnormal?

See your doctor for further testing, including endoscopy, imaging, or biopsy.

5️⃣ Does H. pylori always lead to stomach cancer?

Not always. However, long-term H. pylori infection increases the risk, especially if left untreated.

Don’t leave your health to chance. Blood tests are just the first step, but they’re vital in highlighting potential issues. Early diagnosis through additional methods like endoscopy can drastically improve your outcomes.

📢 “Listen to your body—if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t wait. Take the next step and schedule an endoscopy appointment today!”