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:

• 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

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.

• 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

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.

• 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

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 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.