Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a malignancy that originates in the lining of the stomach. This type of cancer often develops slowly over many years, progressing through precancerous stages before turning into invasive cancer. Gastric cancer can affect any part of the stomach and may spread to nearby lymph nodes and organs. Asian populations exhibit a higher incidence of gastric cancer compared to many other regions globally. More than 50% of global cases of gastric cancer occur in Eastern Asia. Key factors that contribute to this higher prevalence in Asia include a combination of genetic susceptibility, high rates of H. pylori infection, and dietary habits such as the consumption of salt-preserved foods.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, bloating, blood in stool, abdominal pain, persistent anemia, heartburn, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (this can be seen in the yellow discoloration of the whites of the eyes, skin, and urine), difficultyswallowing, nausea andvomiting.