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Stomach Cancer

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, is a cancer that forms in tissues lining the stomach. 

 

Stomach cancer usually begins in cells in the inner layer of the stomach. Over time, the cancer may invade more deeply into the stomach wall. A stomach tumor can grow through the stomach’s outer layer into nearby organs, such as the liver, pancreas, esophagus or intestine.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of stomach cancer include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort 
  • Anemia 
  • Blood in the stool 
  • Indigestion 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Persistent nausea 
  • Weight loss

When to see a doctor

If you’re worried about your symptoms or if they persist, it’s time to see a doctor.

Screening for stomach cancer is not routine. It requires the expertise of a doctor trained to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the stomach.

 

Causes and risk factors

We don’t know what causes stomach cancer. Risk factors for developing it include:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
  • Family history of stomach cancer (parent or sibling)
  • Long-term inflammation of the stomach
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

 

Treatment options

If you have stomach cancer, your treatment may include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy

 

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have stomach cancer. They also may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
  • Endoscopy (with biopsy, if needed)
  • Imaging tests (ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan)

 

Prevention

Stomach cancer may not be preventable. You can take steps to reduce your risk of by making small lifestyle changes, like:

  • Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Reducing the amount of salty and smoked foods you eat
  • Quitting smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

 

Additional conditions

Constipation

Crohn’s Disease

Celiac Disease