Updated guidelines for screening esophageal and gastric cancers in China: summary

The burden of esophageal and gastric cancers has long remained heavy in China because of high incidence and mortality. In 2024, the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China issued the first official guidelines on screening, early diagnosis and early treatment of esophageal and gastric cancers. Some recommendation items were updated in the aspects of identification of high-risk individuals, screening protocols, as well as follow-up and management. These guidelines for esophageal and gastric cancer screening are expected to improve corresponding nationwide survival rates in China by increasing the proportion of early-stage diseases.