Kolkata : Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs), India’s leading cancer care institution, has launched ‘Save My Stomach’ (SMS) — a nationwide early detection program focused on stomach cancer. The initiative aims to promote timely screening, accurate diagnosis, and early intervention to improve survival rates for a disease widely known as a “silent killer”, as symptoms typically appear only in advanced stages.
According to GLOBOCAN 2020, stomach cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer globally, with India recording the sixth-highest incidence (4.5%). A regional study shows that stomach cancer prevalence in Eastern India is significantly higher among men, with 70% of cases being male, a 2.3:1 male-to-female ratio in Mizoram, and 3.3:1 in Kashmir—a trend that underscores the need for targeted awareness among high-risk groups.
A Program Focused on High-Risk Groups
The SMS early detection program is designed to identify individuals at increased risk of stomach cancer, including:
- Men over 60
- People with chronic gastritis
- Individuals with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
- Those with obesity or smoking habits
- Patients with pernicious anaemia
- Individuals consuming diets high in salted or pickled foods
The initiative will provide structured screening, including diagnostic endoscopy and biopsy, aiming to shift diagnosis from late-stage detection to early, curable stages.
Experts Stress the Critical Need for Early Screening
Dr. Supratim Bhattacharyya, Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Cancer Centre, Kolkata, emphasized:
“Symptoms like persistent heartburn, indigestion, or unexplained bloating should never be ignored. A simple endoscopy can detect stomach cancer at a curable stage, when survival rates are significantly higher. Through ‘Save My Stomach’, we want people to seek timely screening before it’s too late.”
Dr. Sanjiban Patra, Onco Histopathology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Kolkata, highlighted the importance of precise diagnosis:
“The turning point in stomach cancer care begins with accurate tissue diagnosis. Even subtle abnormalities in biopsy samples can reflect early disease. SMS strengthens the link between screening and advanced histopathology to ensure early and accurate detection.”
Dr. Rajat Khandelwal, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Cancer Centre, Kolkata, added:
“Early detection completely changes the treatment landscape. Many patients diagnosed early through endoscopic screening can be cured without chemotherapy. Early screening not only saves lives but preserves quality of life.”
A Commitment to Prevention-Led Cancer Care
Speaking on the launch, Dr. Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director Medical Services, Apollo Cancer Centre, Kolkata, said:
“Stomach cancer often mimics common digestive issues, causing people to ignore symptoms. With ‘Save My Stomach’, we aim to help communities recognise warning signs and access screening before the disease advances. Awareness, timely diagnosis, and prevention remain the pillars of a cancer-free society.”
Benefits of the ‘Save My Stomach’ Program
- Early detection with minimal intervention
- Reduced need for systemic chemotherapy or major surgeries
- Significantly improved quality of life
- Lower financial burden on patients and families
With this initiative, Apollo Cancer Centres reinforces its commitment to preventive oncology, community awareness, and improved public health outcomes across India.
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