- Patients
- Exploring cancer care
- Conditions we treat
- Gastrointestinal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
What is stomach cancer?
Chapter 01
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the stomach area grow in an uncontrolled way.1,2 The stomach is part of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which forms part of the body’s digestive system.3
Types of stomach cancer
There are four types of stomach cancer including:
- Gastric adenocarcinoma (also known as gastric cancer) starts in the glandular cells that line the inner layer of the stomach wall (called the mucosa). Gastric adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer in Australia.2,4
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are regarded as being rare cancers that start in the connective (interstitial) tissue in the stomach wall.5
- Lymphomas are regarded as being rare cancers of the lymph system that sometimes are found in the wall of the stomach.6
- Carcinoid tumours are regarded as being rare cancers that start in the hormone-making cells of the stomach.7
Make an enquiry
Contact us today to learn more about stomach cancer and potential treatment options.
Stomach cancer may not cause symptoms in the early stages and is often diagnosed when it’s more advanced. Common stomach cancer symptoms may include:1,2
- Indigestion or heartburn, particularly if it is getting worse
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing, or also a sense of choking when swallowing, which is called dysphagia
- Feeling full or bloated, especially after only eating a small amount
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea, or vomiting, with or without blood
- Black or bloody stools
- Pain in the upper abdomen, which may occur when eating
- Swollen abdomen caused by a build-up of fluid
- Feeling tired, without reason
- Anaemia.
It's important to note that these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have stomach cancer. If you are concerned or have further questions, please make an appointment with your GP or specialist.
There are no clear causes for stomach cancer, however there are a range of factors that may increase the potential risk of diagnosis. These risk factors may include:1,2
- Having a chronic stomach condition, such as, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, chronic gastritis (stomach inflammation) or gastric polyps (non-cancerous growths on the inner lining of the stomach)
- Being older
- Low levels of red blood cells
- A partial gastrectomy (stomach removal) to treat non-cancerous conditions
- Eating a high salt diet including smoked or pickled foods, and low in fruit and vegetables
- Smoking tobacco
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Overweight or obese
- Family history of stomach cancer or gastrointestinal disorders.
It is recommended to make an appointment with your GP or specialist, if you are concerned or have questions pertaining to risk factors for stomach cancer.
Diagnosis
Chapter 02
Diagnosing stomach cancer
There are a couple of different tests that may be undertaken to diagnose stomach cancer, including:1,2
- Physical examination
- Endoscopy: This is an examination of the inside of the stomach and other parts of the upper digestive system, which is done using an endoscope.
- Biopsy: This involves a tissue sample (known as a biopsy) being taken from the stomach wall, for further examination under a microscope. Generally, a biopsy is taken during an endoscopy.
If you are diagnosed with stomach cancer, you may have further tests which aim to help understand how far the cancer has progressed. These are called staging tests, and may include:1,2,8
- Imaging tests: such tests may include an endoscopic ultrasound, computerised tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET-) CT scan or an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The objective of imaging-based tests is to understand more about the size and location of the tumour. Imageing tests may also help to determine if the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes or elsewhere.
- Laparoscopy: This is a surgical procedure that may be used to look inside the abdomen to detect if the tumour has spread.
Treatment options
Chapter 03
Treatment options for stomach cancer
Your treating doctor will discuss the most appropriate option(s) for treatment with you. The options suggested to you may depend upon the stage of the cancer, your overall health, symptom severity, and your personal preference. One of the treatment options suggested to treat stomach cancer may be surgery, with usually two types of surgical treatment suggested:9,10
- Endoscopic resection: This can remove early-stage tumours in the stomach. It’s done using an endoscope.
- Gastrectomy: Surgery to remove all or part of the stomach is called a gastrectomy. The surgeon aims to remove as much of the tumour as possible, including some healthy tissue and lymph nodes, to help reduce the risk of the cancer recurring. There are two types of gastrectomy; partial gastrectomy and total gastrectomy.
Other treatment options for stomach cancer suggested by your doctor may include:1,2
- Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.
- Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that is intended to help your own immune system fight cancer. There are different types of immunotherapy for cancer that work in different ways.
- Radiation therapy - Radiation therapy may be offered in the early stages of cancer treatment, or after it has started to spread. There are different radiation therapy techniques which may be suitable for different cancer types at different stages.
- Targeted therapy - Targeted therapy refers to treatment with medicines that are designed to specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells. These types of medicines affect the way that cancer cells grow, divide, repair themselves or interact with other cells.
Side effects
Chapter 04
Understanding more about potential treatment side effects
Side effects of cancer treatment
All cancer treatments may have side effects, yet the type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals[1] .11 You can ask your doctor for detailed information about the side effects which you may experience with any treatment recommended for you.
Recommendations to help you stay well during treatment:12
- Get as much rest as possible
- Aim for a wholefood, varied diet, and we also encourage you to think about eating foods that interest you rather than what you think you should eat
- Appetite changes are common, and you may experience taste changes or nausea. Help manage this by eating small, frequent snacks and avoiding smells that make you nauseous
- Drink lots of water
- Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment
- Record your side effects in a diary or journal
- Speak to your doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into your weekly routine
- It is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and rest when you need to
- Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours
- Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them
Your treatment with GenesisCare
Chapter 05
Learn more about treatment options offered at GenesisCare
At GenesisCare, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be emotional and life-changing, and it is natural to feel a range of emotions, such as disbelief, anxiety, sadness and/or anger.13,14 During your treatment journey, we aim to offer a personalised care experience.
Our care team will aim to know your name and get to know who you are as a person. Your care will be managed by a multidisciplinary team of passionate healthcare professionals with experience in oncology including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, registered nurses, radiation therapists, physicists, and a dedicated team of support staff.
Please contact your local GenesisCare centre for more details on the services available. View a list of our centres here.
Helpful services
Chapter 06
Other helpful services
If you would like to understand more about support services, plus to learn more about stomach cancer, you may find the below organisations helpful:
Cancer Council Australia
13 11 20
cancer.org.au
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
02 9223 7833
acrf.com.au
GI Cancer Institute
1300 666 769
gicancer.org.au
Read Next
Page
Our centres
In Australia, we have more than 40 oncology centres in metro and regional Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Page
Our doctors
Our experienced, specialised doctors offer bespoke, dedicated care aiming to provide the best possible clinical outcomes.
Treatment
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages.
Disclaimer
Any medical procedure or treatment involving the use of radiation carries risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. What is Stomach Cancer? Updated Sept 2023 [cited Sept. 2023]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/stomach-cancer#
- Mukkamalla S.K.R, et al.StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Gastric Cancer. Page last updated Feb 2023 (cited Oct. 2023). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459142/
- Hsu, Met al.. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Physiology, stomach. Page last updated July 2023 (cited Oct. 2023). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535425/
- Machlowska, J., et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2020; 21(11): 4012.
- Von-Mehren, M & Joensuu, H. J Clin Oncol. 2018; 36(2): 136–143.
- Herlevic, V & Morris, J.D. Gastric lymphoma: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Gastric Cancer. Page last updated Nov. 2023 (cited Jan. 2024). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567799/
- Cingam, S.R., et al. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Carcinoid tumour. Page last updated Sept. 2022 (cited Jan. 2024). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448101/
- Zhang, Y & Yu, J. Diagn Interv Radiol. 2022; 26(3): 176–182.
- Kim, G.H., et al Gastrointest Endoscopy Clin N Am 31 (2021) 563–579
- Marsh, A.M., et al. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): gastric Resection. Page last updated July 2023 (cited Jan. 2024). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560760/
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Cancer Side effects? [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/cancer-side-effects
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Nutrition for People Living with Cancer. Page last updated July 2022 [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/nutrition-and-cancer-booklet
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. Does cancer only casue physical changes? [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/does-cancer-only-cause-physical-changes
- Cancer Council Australia [website]. After a diagnosis. [cited Jan. 2024]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/after-a-diagnosis#