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Stomach cancer at a glance

Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer for men and the ninth most common cancer for women in the UK.

Each year, there are over 5,100 new cases of stomach cancer in men and about 3,000 cases in women.

Stomach cancer develops from cells within the stomach. More than 9 in 10 stomach cancers affect the cells of the inner lining of the stomach.

Stomach cancer can spread to nearby organs in the abdomen, or, through the wall of the stomach, to distant organs and lymph nodes.

Click on the links below to find out more about stomach cancer.

• Risks and causes
• Signs and symptoms
• Detection
• Treatment

If you are a patient looking for information on stomach cancer, please visit our patient information website, Cancerhelp UK.

Risks and causes

The following things affect a person's chances of developing stomach cancer.

Men are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer than are women.

Stomach cancer is most common in people between 50 and 70 years of age.

Having this blood group slightly increases the risk of developing stomach cancer.

There is an inherited condition called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) that may increase the risk of stomach cancer

Exposure to excessive amounts of radiation can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

This is being investigated as a possible risk factor.

Helicobacter pylori infection is a common bacterial infection of the stomach lining. It is thought to cause most stomach ulcers and research has shown that some people with the infection may be more likely to develop stomach cancer than those without it.

Eating lots of salted, cured, pickled and smoked foods may increase the risk of stomach cancer. Research also suggests that eating plenty of fibre, fruit, vegetables and antioxidant vitamins may help protect against the cancer.

Smoking increases the risk of developing stomach cancer. Alcohol may slightly increase the risk of cancer of the upper part of the the stomach, but the evidence for this isn't conclusive.

Having had stomach surgery to treat ulcers or other problems aside from cancer may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. This could be due to reduced acid production in the stomach after surgery.

In pernicious anaemia, the stomach produces too little of a substance that it needs to take up vitamin B12 from foods. This can also increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. However, vitamin B12 levels can be topped up by injections.

You can find out more about what 'cancer risk' means in the 'Understanding 'risk'' section of this website.

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Signs and symptoms

Stomach cancer does not usually produce symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they include:

• indigestion or heartburn
• feeling full or bloated after eating
• pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• feeling or being sick
• difficulty swallowing
• weight loss
• blood in vomit.

These symptoms are more likely to indicate problems other than cancer, such as an infection or other general medical condition. However, people who notice them should see their doctor. Stomach cancer is much easier to treat successfully if found at at an earlier stage.

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Detection

The doctor will carry out an examination and ask questions about any previous medical problems. Other tests may be carried out, such as:

• Barium meal
• Endoscopy
• Blood tests
  

Treatment

In some cases, one type of treatment is all that is needed. The main treatments for stomach cancer are:

Surgery is the initial treatment for stomach cancer where possible. For stomach cancer at an early stage, surgery may be the only treatment that is needed. Doctors may use surgery to help relieve symptoms of advanced cancer, such as blockages that prevent the passage of food.

Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery. It may also be used to slow the growth of stomach cancer and control the symptoms of advanced disease.

Doctors can use radiotherapy to kill cancer cells not visible during surgery, or to relieve symptoms of advanced stomach cancer. Sometimes, radiotherapy is used in combination with chemotherapy.

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