Can Early-Stage Stomach Cancer Be Cured?

Early-stage stomach cancer refers to cancer that is confined to the mucosa and submucosa layers of the stomach wall, regardless of tumor size or the presence of lymph node metastasis. At this stage, many patients do not experience clear or specific symptoms, which often leads to delayed diagnosis. Some individuals may only notice mild discomfort such as occasional upper abdominal pain, bloating, or a reduced appetite.

When detected early, stomach cancer can often be treated effectively with surgery. In fact, patients who undergo surgical treatment at an early stage have a post-operative five-year survival rate of up to 90% to 95%. The outcomes are particularly favorable when the cancer is limited strictly to the mucosal layer. This high survival rate indicates that early-stage stomach cancer is, to a large extent, curable.

Unfortunately, such early detection is rare in clinical practice. Due to the absence of noticeable symptoms in the initial phases, many people do not seek medical attention until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. As a result, a majority of patients diagnosed with stomach cancer today are already in the middle or late stages of the disease, at which point a complete cure becomes significantly more challenging.

Regular screenings and awareness of subtle symptoms can play a crucial role in early diagnosis. Paying attention to minor digestive changes and undergoing routine check-ups, especially for those at higher risk, may help detect the disease earlier when treatment is most effective.