Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer signs and symptoms

• a painful or burning sensation in the abdomen

• heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)

• a sense of fullness, even after a small meal

• nausea and/or vomiting

• loss of appetite and/or weight loss

• swelling of the abdomen

• unexplained tiredness or weakness

• blood in vomit

• black-coloured faeces

Causes of stomach cancer

Some factors that can increase your risk of stomach cancer include:

• smoking tobacco

• being over 60

• infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori

• a diet high in smoked, pickled and salted foods and low in fresh fruit and vegetables

• alcohol consumption

• being overweight or obese

• pernicious anaemia (low red blood cells)

• chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)

• a family history of stomach cancer

• partial gastrectomy for ulcer disease (after about 20 years)

• having an inherited genetic condition like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome, hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), or gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS).

Diagnosis of stomach cancer

If your doctor thinks you may have stomach cancer, you will be referred for further tests. The main test is an endoscopy (also known as a gastroscopy). The doctor will use a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope), which passes into the mouth, down the throat and oesophagus into the stomach in order to look at the digestive tract.

If any suspicious-looking areas are detected, a small amount of tissue from the stomach lining may be removed (biopsy) and examined under a microscope. Less commonly used is an endoscopic ultrasound where the endoscope has an ultrasound probe at the end.

After a diagnosis of stomach cancer

After being diagnosed with a stomach cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious or confused. These are normal responses. A diagnosis of a stomach or oesophageal cancer affects each person differently. For most it will be a difficult time, however some people manage to continue with their normal daily activities.

You may find it helpful to talk about your treatment options with your doctors, family and friends. Ask questions and seek as much information as you feel you need. It is up to you as to how involved you want to be in making decisions about your treatment.

Learn more about best stomach cancer care:

What should happen next?

This resource can help guide you and your loved ones after your diagnosis. 

Guide to best care for stomach cancer

Treatment for stomach cancer

Treatment Team

• GP (General Practitioner) -

  looks after your general health and works with your specialists to coordinate treatment.

• Gastroenterologist -

  specialises in diseases of the digestive system.

• Upper gastrointestinal surgeon -

  specialises in surgery to treat diseases of the upper digestive system.

• Radiation oncologist -

  prescribes and coordinates radiation therapy treatment.

• Medical oncologist -

  prescribes and coordinates the course of chemotherapy

• Cancer nurse -

  assists with treatment and provides information and support throughout your treatment.

• Other allied health professionals -

  such as social workers, pharmacists, and counsellors

Screening for stomach cancer

There is currently no national screening program for stomach cancer available in Australia.

Preventing stomach cancer

There are some steps you can take to minimise the risk of stomach cancer including:

• not smoking or quitting smoking
• reducing consumption of smoked, pickled and salted food
• having a diet high in fresh vegetables and fruit
• treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection may be protective.

Prognosis for stomach cancer

An individual's prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer as well as their age and general health at the time of diagnosis. Treatment is most effective if the cancer is found in its early stages; stomach cancer can be cured if the cancer is removed before it spreads. However, because of the absence or vagueness of symptoms in the early stages, stomach cancers are often not discovered until they are more advanced.