Gastric/Stomach
Cancer
Gastric cancer, also called stomach cancer, is a disease where malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the lining of the stomach. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn (indigestion), stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss, especially in advanced stages.
What is the Gastric/Stomach Cancer?
- Stomach cancer is cancer that’s found anywhere in the stomach.
- The stomach is part of the digestive system. It helps you digest food.
- Stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer) is relatively uncommon in the UK compared to other cancers, but it is still a serious condition that affects thousands of people each year.
- How serious stomach cancer is depends on how big the cancer is, if it has spread, and your general health.
- It’s important to get any symptoms of stomach cancer checked as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Gastric/Stomach Cancer
Main symptoms of Stomach Cancer
There are many possible symptoms of stomach cancer, but they might be hard to spot.
They can affect your digestion, such as:
- heartburn or acid reflux
- having problems swallowing (dysphagia)
- feeling or being sick
- symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot
- feeling full very quickly when eating
Other symptoms include:
If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.
You might find you get used to them. But it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- a lump at the top of your tummy
- pain at the top of your tummy
- feeling tired or having no energy
When to get medical advice
- problems swallowing
- a lump in your tummy
- lost a noticeable amount of weight
- other symptoms of stomach cancer that get worse or do not get better after 3 weeks
- a condition that causes symptoms with your digestion that are not getting better after 3 weeks of using your usual treatments
Important note
These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have stomach cancer.
But it’s important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they’re caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.
What happens at the GP appointment
The GP may feel your tummy.
They may ask you to give a poo or pee sample, or have a blood test.
Referral to a specialist
Causes of Gastric/Stomach Cancer
Who is more likely to get oesophageal cancer
Anyone can get stomach cancer. It’s not always clear what causes it.
You might be more likely to get it if you:
- are over the age of 50
- are a man
- have a long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – read more about the link between H. pylori and stomach cancer on the Cancer Research UK website
- have certain stomach conditions, such as long-term, severe acid reflux, gastritis or a condition called pernicious anaemia, which affects your immune system
- have a brother, sister or parent who had stomach cancer
Many stomach cancers are also linked to lifestyle.
Important note
These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have stomach cancer.
But it’s important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they’re caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.
How to reduce your risk of getting Gastric/Stomach Cancer
Do
- try to quit smoking
- try to lose weight if you are overweight
- wear protective clothes and masks if you work in a job where you’re exposed to harmful chemicals, such as in the rubber industry or coal mining
- cut down on how much salt you eat
- try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
- try to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
It’s important to get any symptoms of stomach cancer checked by a GP.
Even if you do not think you fit into any of the groups with a higher chance of getting it. Anyone can get stomach cancer.
Tests and next steps for Gastric/Stomach Cancer
Camera test for Stomach Cancer
A GP or specialist will probably refer you for a test to look inside your stomach.
This test is called a gastroscopy (a type of endoscopy). It looks for any problems in your stomach, including stomach cancer.
During a gastroscopy:
- A long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside (called an endoscope) will be put into your mouth, down your throat and into your stomach.
- A specialist will use the camera in the endoscope to look for any problems.
- A small sample of cells (called a biopsy) may be collected during the procedure. These cells will be sent to a laboratory to check for cancer.
The test should take around 10 to 15 minutes.
It should not be painful, but you might find it uncomfortable.
You may be offered things to make you more comfortable and make the test easier, such as:
- local anaesthetic spray to numb the back of your throat
- sedation – medicine given through a small tube in your arm to help you relax
A gastroscopy can also help find problems in other nearby organs. Such as the food pipe (oesophageal cancer) and the first part of the bowels (small intestine).
Getting your results
You should get the results of a gastroscopy and biopsy within 2 weeks.
Try not to worry if your results are taking longer to get to you.
It does not definitely mean anything is wrong.
You can call the hospital or GP if you are worried. They should be able to update you.
A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.
If you're told you have stomach cancer
Being told you have stomach cancer can feel overwhelming.
You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.
It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.
A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.
You can ask them any questions you have.
Next steps
Once you have been diagnosed with stomach cancer, you will need more tests. These will help the specialists find out the size of the cancer and how far it’s spread (called the stage).
Find out more about what cancer stages and grades mean.
You may need:
- scans, like an ultrasound scan (sometimes from inside your body using an endoscope), a CT scan or a PET scan
- a small operation to look inside your stomach, called a laparoscopy
You may not have all these tests.
The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you.
Treatment for Gastric/Stomach Cancer
Treatment for stomach cancer will depend on:
- the type and size of the stomach cancer you have
- where it is
- if it has spread
- your general health
It usually includes surgery and chemotherapy. It may also include radiotherapy, and treatment with targeted medicines.
The specialist care team looking after you will:
- explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
- work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
- help you manage any side effects, including changes to your diet
- help and support you during your recovery
You’ll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.
If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.
Surgery
Your treatment will depend on if the cancer can be removed or not.
If the cancer cannot be removed, you may have surgery to help control some symptoms of stomach cancer.
Surgery to remove Stomach Cancer
If stomach cancer is found early, has not spread or has not spread far you may be able to have surgery to remove it.
Surgery will remove part or all of the stomach. They may also need to remove parts of other organs around the stomach.
Recovery from surgery to treat stomach cancer can take a long time. The specialist team looking after you will discuss all the benefits and side effects.
Surgery to help control the symptoms of Stomach Cancer
You may need surgery to relieve a blockage in the stomach. This helps food pass through your stomach more easily.
The aim of this surgery is to help improve your symptoms, not to cure the cancer.
Chemotherapy
- before and after surgery to help make the cancer smaller
- after surgery to help stop the cancer coming back
- at the same time as other treatments to help make them more effective
- to help control and improve the symptoms of advanced cancer or if the cancer cannot be removed by surgery – sometimes given alongside treatment with targeted medicines
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells.
You may have radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer:
- to treat early cancer, usually with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy)
- to help control and improve the symptoms of advanced cancer
Targeted medicines and immunotherapy
Targeted cancer medicines aim to stop the cancer from growing.
Immunotherapy is where medicines are used to help your immune system kill cancer.
You may have them with chemotherapy to treat advanced stomach cancer.
What happens if you’ve been told your cancer cannot be cured
If you have advanced stomach cancer, it might be very hard to treat. It may not be possible to cure the cancer. If this is the case, the aim of your treatment will be to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer. Finding out the cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in.
You will be referred to a special team of doctors and nurses called the palliative care team or symptom control team. They will work with you to help manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
The clinical nurse specialist or palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any support you need.
Where to find help and support
You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.
The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.
This information is from NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-cancer/
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Gastric/Stomach Cancer
Gastric cancer can make your stomach feel full quickly. Treatment, surgery, or dietary changes may also affect digestion.
A dietitian can help you manage this.
Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of gastric cancer or a side effect of treatment. Your healthcare team can check your nutrition and suggest ways to maintain weight.
Survival varies depending on the stage, type, and treatment. Your doctor can give the most accurate information for your situation.
Recovery can take several weeks to months. Most people spend 1–2 weeks in hospital and gradually return to normal activities at home.
Eating may feel different. Small, frequent meals and dietary adjustments are often needed, especially after surgery. A dietitian can guide you.
Physical activity is possible, but timing and intensity depend on your treatment and recovery. Your doctor or physiotherapist can advise when it’s safe.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite. Your care team can help manage these.
Some changes may be temporary, while others may be long-term. Digestive enzymes, dietary adjustments, and follow-up care can help.
Emotional impact is common. Support is available through counselling, support groups, or talking with your healthcare team.
Home support may include help with meals, mobility, or personal care. Hospitals, cancer charities, community services and DWP can guide you.
Supporting you throughout your cancer journey
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