Stomach cancer

Symptoms of stomach cancer

Symptoms

Symptoms of stomach cancer

Medical help

Tests and next steps for stomach cancer

Diagnosis

Treatment for stomach cancer

Medical treatments

Causes of stomach cancer

Causes

Causes of stomach cancer

Prevention

Symptoms of stomach cancer may include heartburn, acid reflux, problems swallowing, feeling full quickly after eating and losing weight.

See a GP if you have symptoms of stomach cancer. Get advice from 111 if you're being sick (vomiting) for more than 2 days.

The main test for stomach cancer is a gastroscopy, where a camera is used to look inside your stomach.

Treatment for stomach cancer depends on what kind of cancer you have, and may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other medicines.

It's not always clear what causes stomach cancer. You may be more likely to get it if you have certain stomach conditions, or a family history of it.

Things you can do to reduce your risk of stomach cancer include quitting smoking, losing weight, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy diet.

Who is more likely to get stomach 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 history of infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• 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’s had stomach cancer

Many stomach cancers are also linked to lifestyle.

How to reduce your risk of getting stomach cancer

Do

• try to quit smoking

• try to lose weight if you are overweight

• 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

• 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

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:

1. 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.
2. A specialist will use the camera in the endoscope to look for any problems.
3. 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).

Treatment for 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 team. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.