New Delhi, Oct 05: An inspection time of at least seven minutes was associated with nearly 3.4 times higher detection of gastric cancers and dysplasia, highlighting how systematic examination, adequate mucosal visualisation and documentation can influence early identification of disease, experts at the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2026 here said.
Gastrointestinal cancers account for about a quarter of all cancer cases and nearly a third of cancer deaths globally, with the burden projected to almost double by 2050, they said.
The issue of early detection, along with advances in endoscopy, artificial intelligence and minimally invasive treatment, featured prominently at the three-day congress, which concluded here on Saturday.
One of the most striking findings discussed at the congress was the association between the quality and duration of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and cancer detection.
Spending at least seven minutes inspecting the upper gastrointestinal tract during endoscopy was associated with about 3.4 times higher detection of gastric cancers and dysplasia.
Dr Pramod Garg, head of the department of gastroenterology and human nutrition at AIIMS Delhi, said, “Earlier detection depends on both identifying people at risk and ensuring that diagnostic procedures are performed to the highest possible standard. High-quality endoscopy can create an important opportunity to identify disease at a stage when intervention can make a greater difference.”
India’s changing cancer profile also featured prominently, with growing attention around early-onset colorectal cancer and the factors that may be contributing to its rise, Garg, who is also president of Indian Society of Gastroenterology and co-chair of the steering committee, WCOG 2026, said.
Research discussed at WCOG 2026 examined the potential roles of genetics, environmental exposures and the gut microbiome, raising important questions around how prevention and diagnostic strategies need to evolve as colorectal cancer affects younger populations.
Gallbladder cancer added another distinctly India-relevant dimension to the cancer conversation. Discussions examined the progression from gallstones and chronic inflammation to malignancy, including the potential contribution of large or high-risk gallstones, chronic infections and environmental exposures.
Greater awareness of suspicious gallbladder wall changes, appropriate imaging and timely multidisciplinary evaluation could help address delays in diagnosis.
The changing burden of liver disease was another major area of focus, with non-invasive approaches to identifying people at risk of metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease gaining importance. Discussions also reflected the changing causes of liver cancer in India, with metabolic factors becoming increasingly relevant alongside infectious causes.
Artificial intelligence featured across gastrointestinal and liver medicine, with applications spanning prediction, diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
The conversation is increasingly moving from the potential of AI to the evidence required for its clinical use, with data quality, external validation, explainability, accountability and integration into clinical workflows emerging as critical considerations.
Dr Govind Makharia, professor, department of gastroenterology and human nutrition at AIIMS Delhi and Chairman, Local Organising Committee, WCOG 2026, said, “AI has the potential to strengthen diagnosis and decision-making across gastroenterology, while advanced endoscopy is expanding what can be treated through minimally invasive approaches. The next step is ensuring that these technologies are supported by robust evidence and integrated responsibly into clinical practice.”
The prevention conversation extended beyond cancer itself. H pylori, which affects an estimated 40 per cent of the global population, remains an important risk factor in the pathway towards gastric atrophy and gastric cancer, placing greater emphasis on early testing, eradication and confirmation of successful treatment.
Dr Barry Marshall, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine and a senior gastroenterologist, said, “H pylori is much more than an ulcer organism. If the infection persists for many years, it can cause chronic inflammation in the stomach and increase the risk of gastric cancer. That gives us an opportunity because this is a potentially preventable cause of cancer.”
Marshall also highlighted the importance of identifying infected individuals early and ensuring that eradication has been successful, particularly as antibiotic resistance increasingly complicates treatment.
His comments come amid growing international attention around H. pylori “screen-and-treat” strategies for gastric cancer prevention.
The scale of preventable gastrointestinal infections also remains significant, with intestinal worm infestation affecting around one in four people globally and carrying implications for nutrition, development and cognitive outcomes. These concerns bring sanitation, nutrition and preventive healthcare directly into the conversation around gastrointestinal health.
