68-year-old Trương diagnosed with stage 3 stomach cancer after six‑month wait

A 68‑year‑old man, identified as Mr. Trương, ignored persistent digestive discomfort for six months, assuming it was a normal age‑related issue. After severe weight loss, nausea and pain, he finally sought care at Quang Tiến General Hospital in Taichung, Taiwan. Endoscopy revealed serious mucosal lesions and pathology confirmed stage 3 gastric cancer with lymph‑node and nearby organ metastasis.

Doctors highlighted that a diet high in salty, processed foods and infection with Helicobacter pylori—often spread through shared utensils—were key risk factors. To treat the disease, Mr. Trương underwent at least two surgeries, including a minimally invasive procedure using the da Vinci robotic system performed by Dr. Dương Diệu Côn, which aimed to remove the tumor and metastatic nodes while limiting tissue damage. He expressed regret, saying, "If I had gone to the hospital six months earlier, it would have been different."