Gastric Cancer / Stomach Cancer
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Gastric Cancer, also called Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is characterized by a buildup of abnormal cells within the lining of the stomach. Although these cancerous cells can develop in any part of the stomach, they can also develop in the gastroesophageal junction – where the esophagus meets the stomach.
The esophagus is the long tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. If the cancer occurs there, it is known as gastroesophageal cancer. Stomach cancer is the 5th most common type of cancer globally, and overall the third leading cause of cancer deaths. It is also considered one of the most difficult cancers to treat because it’s hard to diagnose, as stomach cancer symptoms often don’t appear until later stages.
Causes of Gastric Cancer
The stomach together with the esophagus makes up one part of the upper section of the digestive tract. The stomach is responsible for receiving, holding, breaking down, and digesting food before passing it on to the rest of the digestive organs – the small and large intestines.Â
The exact cause of gastric cancer is not known, but it occurs when normal healthy cells in the stomach change their DNA and become cancerous. These cancerous cells influence other cells in the process. They grow out of control and end up forming a tumor which can invade and destroy other healthy tissue. This is a slow process, and it takes years to develop.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Some of the most common stomach cancer symptoms include:
- Constant bloating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Feeling full after eating small meals
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Bloody stool
- Fatigue
Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer
Factors that can increase the risk of developing gastric cancer include:
- Obesity
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Stomach polyps
- Lymphoma
- Family history of gastric cancer
- Gastritis
- Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection
- Smoking
- A diet that is low in vegetables and fruits
- A diet that is high in smoked and salty foods
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
Diagnosing gastric cancer typically involves a physical exam followed by several diagnostic tests to detect abnormalities. Tests include:
- Upper Endoscopy: Passing a thin tube with a camera down the throat into the stomach to look for signs of gastric cancer.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans and barium swallow X-rays.
- Biopsy: Removing a sample tissue to test for cancer cells.
- Blood Tests and exploratory surgery to measure organ function and check if the cancer has spread.
Treatment of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer treatment is usually dependent on:
- The aggressiveness of the gastric cancer
- Type of the cancer
- Stage of the cancer
- Size and location of the tumor
- Age and overall health of the patient
- History of stomach cancer in the family
- Gene mutation test results
Treatment options for gastric cancer include:
- Chemotherapy: This treatment uses chemicals to kill cancer and is administered before surgery to shrink the cancer. It is also used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, often in combination with radiation therapy.
- Radiation: Uses high-powered energy beams to kill cancer cells. In advanced gastric cancer, radiation can relieve side effects such as bleeding or pain.
- Surgery: Involves removing the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissue. Depending on the stage, surgery may involve:
- Removing lymph nodes to inspect for cancer
- Removing tumors at an early stage from the stomach lining
- Subtotal gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach)
- Total gastrectomy (removal of the entire stomach)
- Immunotherapy: Involves administering a drug treatment to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. It is used when the cancer has spread, is advanced, or has come back.
FAQ's about Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people over 65 years of age, though it can occur earlier in rare cases.
Stomach cancer can spread fast if not detected early, as symptoms often appear only in advanced stages.
Some stomach ulcers are linked to H. pylori infection, which may increase the risk of stomach cancer, but only a small percentage develop cancer.
Stomach cancer usually grows slowly over the years, often without early symptoms.
Persistent stomach bloating can be a symptom of stomach cancer, but it’s also common in other digestive conditions. Medical evaluation is advised.
Next Steps
If you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms or have been diagnosed with gastric cancer, early specialist evaluation can make a meaningful difference.
At King’s Cancer Hospital, our multidisciplinary oncology team offers advanced diagnosis and personalised treatment for stomach and gastroesophageal cancers.
Using modern imaging, surgical expertise, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy options, we provide coordinated, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s condition, supporting you from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
