Late Diagnosis Drives High Stomach Cancer Deaths in Kenya and Globally

Stomach cancer remains a major cause of cancer fatalities globally, with men disproportionately affected. Recent data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicates a rise in stomach cancer deaths from 642,000 in 2024 to 654,000 in 2025. Men accounted for the majority, with deaths increasing from 419,000 to 426,000, while female deaths rose from 223,000 to 229,000.

Kenya has seen a similar upward trend, with male stomach cancer fatalities increasing by 3.7% from 565 in 2024 to 586 in 2025. Female deaths also grew by 3.5%, from 488 to 505.

Challenges in Early Detection

Dr Joseph Abuodha, consultant medical oncologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, explains that high mortality rates largely stem from late diagnosis. Early symptoms often mimic common stomach ailments such as acidity, bloating, and dyspepsia, making stomach cancer difficult to detect promptly.

Warning signs include unexplained weight loss, early fullness after small meals, abdominal pain, and dark stools indicating possible bleeding. However, these symptoms are not exclusive to cancer, leading to frequent misdiagnosis as ulcers or gastritis.

Many patients initially receive treatment for benign conditions, only to return later with persistent symptoms. Dr Abuodha advises that if symptoms persist despite treatment or worsen, further investigation like endoscopy is essential.

Risk Factors and Gender Disparity

Age is the most significant risk factor, with older individuals more susceptible. Lifestyle factors such as heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and frequent intake of very spicy or irritating foods also contribute. Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori is linked to certain stomach cancer types.

Men are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer as women, partly due to higher exposure to risk factors and differences in health-seeking behavior.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Accurate diagnosis relies on histological examination of tissue samples obtained via endoscopy. Additional imaging such as CT or PET scans help determine cancer stage and guide treatment decisions. In some cases, surgical staging is performed to assess disease spread.

Advanced stomach cancer may require genetic testing to tailor therapy, especially after failure of initial chemotherapy.

Prevention and Recommendations

• Early medical evaluation for persistent stomach symptoms is critical.
• Reducing alcohol intake and smoking can lower risk.
• Maintain a balanced diet with less processed food and manage weight through exercise.
• Regular follow-up for people with chronic ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection is advised.
• Individuals with family history should consider genetic counseling and periodic endoscopy.

Dr Abuodha emphasizes that both patient awareness and timely healthcare referrals are vital to improving outcomes in stomach cancer cases.