Stomach cancer

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Stomach Cancer

Symptoms - Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the stomach. It's not very common in the UK.

There are many possible symptoms of stomach cancer.

Some are more obvious, such as:

Others might be harder to spot, such as:

  • heartburn or acid reflux
  • loss of appetite
  • symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot
  • feeling full very quickly when eating
  • 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.

Important

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.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:

  • any of these symptoms that get worse or do not get better after 3 weeks
  • a condition that causes symptoms like these, and your symptoms are not getting better after 3 weeks of using your usual treatments
  • problems swallowing
  • a lump in your tummy

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.

The GP may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.

This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Information:

Cancer Research UK has more information and advice about seeing a GP about symptoms of stomach cancer.

Page last reviewed: 21 October 2019
Next review due: 21 October 2022

Causes - Stomach cancer

Anyone can get stomach cancer.

It's not always clear what causes it, but you might be more likely to get stomach cancer if you:

Stomach cancer can also be linked to your lifestyle. You may be more likely to get it if you:

You cannot always prevent stomach cancer. But because many stomach cancers are linked to lifestyle, making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it.

Information:

It is 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.

Page last reviewed: 21 October 2019
Next review due: 21 October 2022

Tests and next steps - Stomach cancer

Camera test

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:

  • sedation – medicine given through a small tube in your arm to help you relax
  • putting you to sleep (general anaesthetic)
Information:

Cancer Research UK has more information on having an endoscopy.

Many of the symptoms of stomach cancer can also be caused by other cancers in the area, such as cancer of the food pipe (oesophageal cancer) or pancreas (pancreatic cancer).

During a gastroscopy, the specialist will look for problems in your oesophagus, stomach, 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.

A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next.

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.

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.

Advanced stomach cancer

If you are diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer, you will probably feel a huge range of emotions.

There is lots of support available for you and your loved ones.

Your clinical nurse specialist and the rest of your specialist team can recommend both local and national support services.

Important

Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.

They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.

Call: 0808 808 00 00

Other tests

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:

  • an ultrasound scan inside your stomach using an endoscope, called an endoscopic ultrasound
  • a CT scan
  • a PET-CT scan
  • a small operation to look inside your stomach, called a laparoscopy

The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you.

Information:

Macmillan Cancer Support has information on tests after you have been diagnosed and what to expect.

Page last reviewed: 21 October 2019
Next review due: 21 October 2022

Treatment and support - Stomach cancer

Treatment for stomach cancer

Your treatment plan will depend on the type, size and location of the cancer, and if it has spread.

Macmillan Cancer Support has more information on the main treatments for stomach cancer, including:

Your clinical nurse specialist, as well as the other specialists in your care team, will support you and your loved ones throughout your treatment.

They will explain the treatments, discuss any changes you need to make, and answer your questions.

Treatment for advanced stomach cancer

If you have advanced stomach cancer, the aim of your treatment may be to control the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer.

Your specialists will talk to you about your options and work with you to decide on a treatment plan. They can also help you manage any symptoms or side effects.

Macmillan Cancer Support has more information about coping with advanced cancer.

After you have treatment

When you are no longer having treatment, you'll have regular check-ups with the group of specialists looking after you.

They will check that you're healing and recovering from any treatment and see how you are coping. You might also have some tests and scans.

A dietician and physiotherapist will help you with any changes to your diet and your physical recovery.

You'll usually have a check-up every 3 months for the 1st year once you are no longer having treatment.

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.

Where to get help and support

You may want to start by talking to your clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team. They will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

The cancer charities Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK are also good sources of support and information about stomach cancer.

Page last reviewed: 21 October 2019
Next review due: 21 October 2022