Ask the Doctor: ‘I have a family history of gastric cancers and am concerned — is screening available for this?’

“I am a 33-year-old woman with a family history of gastric cancers, which is something I’m increasingly concerned about – especially since starting my own family. I get my regular smear tests but can’t seem to find anything similar for gastric cancer screenings. Is there screening available for this and if so, how can I go about having this done?”

Answer from Dr Charlene Deane, Clinical Research Registrar & Specialist Registrar in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & General Internal Medicine, Beacon Hospital

Unfortunately, there is currently no national screening program equivalent to CervicalCheck for stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer). However, the European Commission has prioritised the development of such a screening program as part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

Beacon Hospital and five other European countries are currently part of an EU-funded study to determine the feasibility of such a programme. In this study, we are checking blood samples from 30-34-year-olds for a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which is known to be a major cause of gastric cancer.

If this bacteria is found, it can be treated. If this study is successful, it could lead to a future screening program for this bacteria in Ireland, similar to the programmes that already exist for BreastCheck and BowelScreen.

Concerning your family history and screening recommendations, there is a known link between family history and an elevated risk of gastric cancer. The details of your family history will be important to determine how strong this link is and the best screening method for you. Your next step should be to make an appointment with your GP.

During the consultation, share with them who in your family was diagnosed, their age at diagnosis, and the presence of any other cancers, such as breast or colorectal cancer. This information will help your GP recommend the next best step for you; this could include reassurance, referral for a gastroscopy (a camera test of the stomach) and/or referral to a genetic clinic for further advice.

Notably, there are a number of lifestyle modifications you can make to reduce your risk of gastric cancer. These include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, increasing fresh fruit intake and avoiding heavily salted or pickled food. You should also consider undergoing screening and, if indicated, treatment for the infection, Helicobacter pylori, discussed above.

Have a question for the professionals you’d like answered? Get in touch with sarah.gill@image.ie with the subject headline ‘Ask The Doctor’.