Apollo Cancer Centres Launches ‘Save My Stomach’ Early Detection Initiative

Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs), a prominent cancer care institution based in India, has launched the ‘Save My Stomach’ (SMS) initiative, aimed at enhancing awareness and early detection of stomach cancer. This program is part of a broader effort to promote timely screening and accurate diagnosis, which are critical for improving survival rates among patients.

Stomach cancer, often referred to as a “silent killer,” typically manifests noticeable symptoms only in its advanced stages. This characteristic underscores the importance of early intervention. According to data from GLOBOCAN 2020, stomach carcinoma ranks as the fifth most common cancer globally, with India recorded as the sixth highest in incidence at 4.5%. In Eastern India, studies reveal that a majority of stomach cancer cases are found in males, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1 in Mizoram and 3.3:1 in Kashmir. These patterns highlight the urgent necessity for targeted awareness and screening programs, particularly for high-risk male populations.

Program Goals and Target Audience

The ‘Save My Stomach’ initiative aims to identify individuals at high risk for stomach cancer, particularly men over the age of 60, those suffering from chronic gastritis, and individuals with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections, obesity, smoking habits, pernicious anaemia, or diets high in salted or pickled foods. The program will provide structured screenings, including diagnostic endoscopies and biopsies, to facilitate early detection.

Dr. Supratim Bhattacharyya, a Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgeon at Apollo Cancer Centre in Kolkata, emphasizes the significance of recognizing potential symptoms such as persistent heartburn, indigestion, or unexplained bloating. He states, “These symptoms should never be ignored, especially in individuals with long-term gastritis, H. pylori infection, or a family history of stomach cancer. Through Apollo Cancer Centres’ ‘Save My Stomach’ campaign, we aim to encourage people to seek timely screening. A simple endoscopy can detect stomach cancer at a curable stage, when survival rates are significantly higher.”

Dr. Sanjiban Patra, an Onco Histopathologist at Apollo Cancer Centre, adds, “In stomach cancer, the turning point truly begins with accurate tissue diagnosis. Even subtle abnormalities in biopsy samples can signal early disease long before symptoms appear. Through the ‘Save My Stomach’ program, we are strengthening the link between screening and precise histopathology, ensuring every biopsy is evaluated with advanced techniques.”

Impact on Patient Outcomes

The initiative also aims to shift the diagnosis of stomach cancer from late to early stages, thereby enabling curative treatments and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Rajat Khandelwel, a Gastroenterologist at Apollo Cancer Centre, notes, “Early detection truly changes the trajectory of stomach cancer care, from limited treatment choices to life-saving outcomes. Many patients come in at late stages when the disease has already spread, making surgery or cure difficult. However, when detected early through a simple endoscopic screening, many patients can be completely treated, often without chemotherapy.”

Dr. Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director of Medical Services at Apollo Cancer Centre, expressed confidence in the program’s potential impact. “With ‘Save My Stomach’, Apollo Cancer Centres reinforces its leadership in cancer prevention and early intervention. Stomach cancer often disguises itself as common digestive discomfort, leading many to overlook early warning signs. Our goal is to ensure that people recognize these symptoms and have timely access to screening before the disease advances.”

The benefits of the SMS program extend beyond early detection; it aims to minimize intervention, thereby significantly improving quality of life and reducing financial burdens associated with advanced cancer treatments. By potentially avoiding the need for systemic chemotherapy or major surgeries, ‘Save My Stomach’ reflects ACCs’ commitment to enhancing public health outcomes, emphasizing cancer control through prevention and awareness.

In conclusion, the launch of the ‘Save My Stomach’ initiative marks a significant step forward in the fight against stomach cancer, providing crucial resources and knowledge to the public while aiming to save lives through early detection and intervention.