This factsheet is for people who have stomach cancer, or who would like information about it.
Stomach cancer is a lump (tumour) created by an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in your stomach. It’s also known as gastric cancer.
Your stomach is a muscular bag in your abdomen (tummy) that digests the food you eat. The lining of your stomach produces a strong acid to help break down food and protect you from harmful bacteria.

In the early stages, stomach cancer only develops within your stomach lining or stomach wall. If it becomes more advanced, the cancer cells can spread into neighbouring organs. This is called localised spread. Sometimes the cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of your body (this is known as metastasis) in your blood or lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is made up of tissues and organs – including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes – that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease.
About 7,800 people get stomach cancer each year in the UK. It mostly affects people over 55 and is more common in men.
About nine in 10 stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas. This type of stomach cancer starts in the glandular cells that produce mucus and stomach juices.
Other, rarer, types of stomach cancer include:
The symptoms of stomach cancer can include:
As the cancer grows, other symptoms you may have include:
These symptoms aren't always caused by stomach cancer but if you have them, see your GP.
The exact reasons why you may develop stomach cancer aren't fully understood at present. However, certain factors may increase your risk – these are listed below.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also ask you about your medical history and organise for you to have the following tests.
You will usually be referred to a doctor who specialises in diseases of the stomach (a gastroenterologist or surgeon) for tests, which may include the following.
If these tests indicate that you have stomach cancer, you may need to have other tests to find out if the cancer has spread. You will usually need to have scans, including ultrasound, MRI or CT scan, to check your stomach, liver and surrounding lymphatic system.
Your treatment will depend on the type of stomach cancer you have and how far it has spread. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you.
Surgery involves removing the affected tissue from your stomach and usually a small amount of the surrounding healthy tissue. You may have a partial gastrectomy, which means that part of your stomach is removed, or a total gastrectomy meaning that all of your stomach is removed. The lymph nodes (glands that are part of your immune system) around your stomach may also be removed to check whether the cancer has spread to them.
It may be possible for you to have laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery rather than open surgery, which means that several smaller cuts are made into your abdomen instead of one larger one. Speak to your surgeon for more information.
Surgery is sometimes followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment to make sure all the cancer cells are destroyed.
Your doctor may advise you to have one of the following treatments.
You may be offered entry into a clinical trial of a new treatment. Ask your doctor for advice and further information.
Some simple dietary changes can reduce your risk of stomach cancer. For example, you should:
Getting enough vitamin D may reduce your risk of developing a number of cancers, including stomach cancer – although more research needs to be done to be certain. Vitamin D is also well known to be important for bone health.
Talk to your GP if you need further advice and information.
Being diagnosed with cancer can be distressing for you and your family. An important part of cancer treatment is having support to deal with the emotional aspects as well as the physical symptoms. Specialist cancer doctors and nurses are experts in providing the support you need, and may also visit you at home. If you have more advanced cancer, further support is available to you in hospices or at home, and this is called palliative care.
For answers to frequently asked questions on this topic, see FAQs.
For sources and links to further information, see Resources.
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This information was published by Bupa's Health Information Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. The content is intended only for general information and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the About our Health Information page.
Produced by Krysta Munford, Bupa Health Information Team, March 2012.
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