In Malaysia, lots of people casually blame every stomachache on “gastric.”
You know the drill: eat a spicy mee goreng, feel a twinge in your upper abdomen, and voilà! Gastric strikes again.
But here’s the tea: that’s mostly a myth.
Dr. Sou Jing Kim, a top-notch General, Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, is tired of hearing it.
“There’s no such thing as gastric pain,” she says firmly. “Gastritis isn’t something you can diagnose just by symptoms. It’s something you see under a microscope.”
So, what’s really happening? Doctors break it down: sometimes it’s functional dyspepsia; fancy term for indigestion with no structural problem.
Other times, it’s organic issues like peptic ulcers, or, in rare but serious cases, early stomach cancer. Functional upset shows up as bloating, nausea, belching, or feeling full after a few bites.
But if you’re losing weight for no reason, vomiting, or feeling pain that just won’t quit, don’t shrug it off.
Fun fact: up to 25% of urban Malaysians report dyspepsia. That’s one in four!
Lifestyle Matters More Than You Think
Let’s face it: our habits hit our stomachs harder than we realise.
Pickled foods, salted fish, charred barbecues, and ultra-processed snacks aren’t doing us any favors.
Throw smoking or alcohol into the mix, and your stomach lining takes a beating.
Dr. Sou clears up a common misconception:
“Gastric pain isn’t just from spicy food. It’s the bigger picture, your overall diet, lifestyle, and whether H. pylori infection is lurking in your stomach. That’s what really matters.”
The Hidden Villain: H. pylori
Speaking of H. pylori: it’s a sneaky bacterium that infects your stomach lining.
The World Health Organization labels it a class I carcinogen, meaning it can contribute to gastric cancer.
Globally, up to half the population may carry it, but in Malaysia, it’s around 20-30%.
“On its own, H. pylori don’t directly cause cancer,” Dr. Sou explains.
“But chronic infection triggers inflammation. Over time, that damages the stomach lining, creating precancerous changes that can eventually lead to cancer.”
Diagnosis is easier than you think. Endoscopy with biopsy is the gold standard, but there are non-invasive tests too: the urea breath test or stool antigen test.
And here’s the silver lining; H. pylori are treatable. A two-week combo of antibiotics and acid suppression usually does the trick, though follow-ups may be needed.
Rule of thumb: if your “gastric” symptoms don’t improve after two weeks on medication, or alarming features pop up, it’s time to get scoped.
Endoscopy: Not as Scary as You Think
Many Malaysians put off endoscopy because they’re scared. But modern scopes are thinner than a centimeter, sedation is routine, and the procedure takes under 10 minutes.
“Most patients are shocked at how comfortable it is,” Dr. Sou says.
“They often tell me they didn’t even feel it.”
Beyond spotting trouble, endoscopy lets doctors biopsy suspicious areas and even treat certain ulcers on the spot. Advanced tools, like AI-assisted imaging (already big in Japan and Korea), are slowly making their way into Malaysia, helping catch problems earlier.
Dr. Vance Koi Yung Chean, Clinical Oncologist at Sunway, points out that population-wide endoscopy programs in Japan and Korea have drastically improved early gastric cancer detection. In Malaysia, the focus is on high-risk groups: strong family history, long-term H. pylori infection, or chronic stomach issues.
Why Stomach Cancer Sneaks Under the Radar
Gastric cancer doesn’t make Malaysia’s top 10 list, so it’s often overlooked. And when it does show up, it’s usually late stage.
“Gastric cancer is sometimes called a silent killer,” Dr. Vance says.
“Symptoms are vague, so by the time people check, it’s often advanced.”
From Scalpel to Science: How Treatment Has Evolved
Surgery is still the backbone of treatment, but minimally invasive methods like laparoscopic or robotic surgery make recovery faster and safer.
Dr. Vance adds that oncology now goes beyond cutting:
“We combine surgery with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to boost long-term outcomes.”
Molecular profiling is the next frontier. By spotting biomarkers, doctors can personalize treatment with targeted drugs, a step toward futuristic, precision medicine in Malaysia.
Don’t Brush Off Persistent Stomach Pain
The message from Drs. Sou and Vance are simple: stop calling every ache “gastric.”
“Self-medicating with antacids may mask symptoms but won’t fix the root problem,” Dr. Sou warns.
“If the pain sticks around, or if you notice weight loss, vomiting, or anaemia, get checked.”
Dr. Vance agrees:
“Early detection and proper treatment mean you can live better, longer. Families aren’t alone in this, and treatment today is way more advanced and supportive than it used to be.”
PSA: Your stomach isn’t lying. Listen up, don’t ignore it, and get it checked because in the world of ‘gastric’, being proactive always wins.