A gastroscopy is used for stomach cancer screening and involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth to view the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure provides an accurate assessment and helps determine if further examination or treatment is necessary. If a polyp is found during the exam, a biopsy may be performed.

Two to three days before the test, you should stop drinking alcohol and eat a low-irritant diet. Fasting and smoking should be avoided for 8 hours before the endoscopy, and if the test is done under sedation, do not drive yourself after the test as your alertness and reflexes will be reduced.

Stomach cancer ranks among the top 5 most common cancers in South Korea each year. Adults over the age of 40 should be screened every two years, even if they don't have any symptoms.
Regular screening has a big impact on the outcome of stomach cancer treatment. Studies have shown that regular screening is associated with up to a 65% reduction in mortality and a cure rate of over 90%.

In the early stages of stomach cancer, you may have symptoms similar to gastritis, such as indigestion and upper abdominal discomfort, but often there are no obvious symptoms. As stomach cancer progresses, you may experience vomiting, early satiety, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite. In more advanced cases, you may be able to feel a lump in your abdomen. Black stools may also occur if the cancer has caused bleeding inside the stomach.

If an gastroscopy is not possible, a upper gastrointestinal series may be performed. This involves drinking or injecting a substance called a contrast agent and then taking x-rays to indirectly see your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.