Early-Stage Stomach Cancer Diagnoses Surge 53% Since 2004

Recent research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2025 reveals a significant shift in the diagnosis of stomach cancer in the United States, with early-stage, localized cases now being identified more frequently than advanced-stage cases. This change is attributed largely to advancements in high-definition endoscopic imaging, which allow doctors to detect smaller, previously undetectable tumors in the stomach. Between 2004 and 2021, early-stage stomach cancer diagnoses increased by about 53%, while diagnoses of cancers that had spread to lymph nodes or distant organs declined markedly. These trends suggest that earlier detection may enable less-invasive treatment options and potentially improve patient survival, although the studies did not directly assess mortality rates. Despite these gains, stomach cancer remains a serious threat, with over 26,000 new U.S. cases and more than 10,800 deaths projected for 2025. Experts emphasize that continued progress in diagnostic technology and clinical awareness are key to further improving outcomes for patients with this deadly disease.