Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is when abnormal cells in the stomach start to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The stomach is part of the digestive system.

Symptoms of stomach cancer include difficulty swallowing, weight loss and indigestion (dyspepsia).

You should see your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. They will do some tests and may refer you to a specialist if they think your symptoms could be due to stomach cancer.

The type of stomach cancer you have depends on what type of cell it started in. The grade tells you how abnormal the cells look under a microscope. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer.

The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and how far it’s spread. It helps your doctor decide which treatment you need.

Your treatment depends on whereabouts your cancer is in the stomach. How big it is, whether it has spread anywhere else in your body and your general health.

Survival depends on many factors including the stage of your stomach cancer when you are diagnosed and how it has responded to treatment. The figures for stomach cancer survival can only be used as a general guide.

Advanced stomach cancer means that a cancer that began in the stomach has spread to at least one other part of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Research trials aim to find out if new treatments are safe and better than those currently available for stomach cancer.

There is support available to help you cope during and after stomach cancer treatment. This includes diet tips to help you eat well.

Factors that increase the risk of stomach cancer include being older, smoking and a type of infection called helicobacter pylori.