Last Updated:November 22, 2025, 14:35 IST

The primary risk factors for gastric cancer among Indians include the consumption of pickled foods, processed meats, highly spicy foods, processed foods, alcohol, and tobacco.

Persistent heartburn may signal early stomach cancer.

Most Indians treat acidity, gas, or bloating as harmless inconveniences which can be quickly fixed with antacids, home remedies, or by simply ignoring them. But doctors warn that when these symptoms persist, worsen, or become part of one’s daily routine, they may be signalling something far more serious. In high-incidence regions such as India, where dietary habits vary widely and processed foods, spicy meals, and tobacco use are common, experts say early gastrointestinal symptoms should never be dismissed.

When Everyday Symptoms Mask A Bigger Problem

“Patients often brush off repeated heartburn, bloating, or persistent indigestion as simple digestive upset, but these symptoms can sometimes be the body’s early alarm system,” says Dr Rajesh Shinde, Lead Consultant – GI (HPB–Colorectal) & Thoracic Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

He adds that while most cases are benign, what is concerning is not an occasional episode, but when the symptoms return week after week with a change in intensity, or are accompanied by unexplained weight loss or a loss of appetite.

According to Dr Sachin Sekhar Biswal, Consultant – Medical Oncologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar, gastric cancer is still a major challenge despite a global decline in incidence. “It’s the fifth most common cancer worldwide, with significantly higher rates in East Asia, China, and Japan,” he explains. India’s diverse cultural diets and varying food practices, he adds, create a complex landscape when it comes to risk.

Why Stomach Cancer Is So Often Missed

The most common type – gastric adenocarcinoma – can develop silently for years. Dr Biswal notes that both familial and environmental factors play a major role, particularly in Asian populations.

Heartburn and bloating, he says, are often mistaken for routine issues like GERD, H. pylori infection, or a lax sphincter. “Though the cause is often benign, these symptoms can indicate more sinister diagnoses like cancers of the stomach or the gastro-esophageal junction. They must be evaluated thoroughly before being signed off as ‘non-serious’.”

Dr Shinde points to the rise in gastro-oesophageal junction tumours, often linked to Barrett’s metaplasia – a pre-malignant condition caused by long-standing reflux. “Persistent reflux is a known cause of Barrett’s, and many patients get habituated to quick-fix solutions for years,” he says. A simple outpatient endoscopy, both experts agree, can catch Barrett’s early and allow timely surveillance.

Lifestyle Factors Are Fueling Risk

Indian eating patterns add another layer of concern. Dr Biswal highlights that patients with a high intake of spicy foods, pickled items, processed meats, alcohol, and tobacco are at greater risk of developing gastric cancer.

Common symptoms include heartburn, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain – signs often confused with peptic ulcers or routine acidity.

Early Detection Is Still The Strongest Defence

As access to healthcare grows and awareness improves, experts believe India is better positioned than ever to catch stomach cancer early. With timely screening, attention to persistent symptoms, and stronger frontline training, more cases can be diagnosed before the disease becomes advanced.

While most digestive discomforts are harmless, ignoring patterns, chronic symptoms, or unexplained changes can be risky. In regions where gastric cancer risk remains high, listening to your body and seeking timely evaluation can make all the difference.