Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer

What are the screening options for HDGC?

Screening for stomach cancer is suggested for people known to be at risk for HDGC. However, the effectiveness of current screening techniques for the early diagnosis of stomach cancer is not proven. Screening recommendations may also change over time as new technologies are developed and more is learned about HDGC. It is important to talk with your doctor about appropriate screening tests.

Current Options for Screening

Endoscopy (also known as an upper gastrointestinal [GI] study; this procedure uses a thin, flexible tube with a light inserted into the body to examine a specific region)

Chromoendoscopy (endoscopy using dye to help detect cancer)

Endoscopic ultrasound (which uses sound waves to find a tumor in the body)

Additional Screening for Women

Women at risk for HDGC should be considered at high risk for breast cancer and should talk with their doctor about breast cancer screening options at the age of 35, or ten years before the age of the youngest affected relative. Screening options include:

Monthly breast self-examinations

Clinical breast examinations (examination by a doctor or nurse) every six months

Regular breast imaging with mammograms, ultrasound, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  

Other Screening

Colonoscopy, every one to two years, should be considered in families where both gastric cancer and colorectal cancer have been diagnosed. Colorectal cancer screening should begin five to 10 years earlier than the earliest diagnosis of colorectal cancer in the family or by age 50, whichever is sooner.