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CANCER INFORMATION FACTSHEET
Cancer of the
Stomach
The information in this factsheet will help you understand cancer of the
stomach. It is an agreed view on this cancer by medical experts. We hope
that it will answer some questions and concerns you might have. The
information in this factsheet is brief but more details are given in a booklet
called Understanding Cancer of the Stomach from the Irish Cancer Society. It is
available free of charge by calling the helpline on 1800 200 700.
What is cancer?
The body is made up of tiny building
blocks called cells which form the
organs and tissues of the body. Cancer
can affect cell growth and can cause
them to grow and divide without control
or order. These groups of abnormal cells
can form a tumour. Tumours can be
benign or malignant. A benign tumour
is not cancer and can usually be
removed. Benign tumours do not spread
to other parts of the body. A malignant
tumour is cancer. Cancer cells can
spread by breaking away and entering
the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system drains away
excess fluids (called lymph) from the
tissues. Cancer cells can then invade
other tissues and organs.
beginning of the intestine. It is part of
the digestive system. Once food has
been swallowed, it passes down the
gullet and into the stomach.
Each year, about 450 people in Ireland
learn that they have cancer of the
stomach.
What is the stomach?
The stomach is a hollow muscular
organ, located between the lower end of
the oesophagus (gullet) and the
The stomach stores the food. Muscles in
the stomach wall release acid and
chemicals that break down the food
eaten. Food then travels to the small
Information factsheet on cancer of the stomach
intestine where it is absorbed, giving the
body the fuel it needs.
gastritis. This can increase the
risk of getting stomach cancer.
Risk factors for cancer of the
stomach

A risk factor is anything that increases a
person’s chance of getting a disease such
as cancer. Having a risk factor or a
number of risk factors does not mean
that a person will get the disease. The
exact cause of cancer of the stomach is
unknown, but there are certain factors
that can increase the risk.
How can I reduce my risk of
developing cancer of the
stomach?
Nobody knows what causes stomach
cancer. But there are steps you can take
to reduce your risk of getting it.
Age: Risk increases with age. There is a
sharp increase in stomach cancer after
the age of 50.
1. If you smoke, set a date to stop.
Do not smoke in the presence of
others. If you would like advice
or support on quitting, you can
call the National Smokers
Quitline at Callsave 1850 201
203.
Gender: Stomach cancer is more
common in men than in women.
Family history: You may have a higher
risk of stomach cancer if there is a
family history of the condition.
2. Alcohol use is not
recommended but if you do
drink alcohol, cut down on the
amount you take. Men should
not drink any more than 2
standard drinks per day. Women
should not drink any more than
1 standard drink per day. One
standard drink is equal to a ½
pint of beer, or 1 small glass of
wine, or 1 pub measure of
spirits. Aim to have some
alcohol-free days in the week.
Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other tobacco products are a major risk
factor for stomach cancer.
Alcohol: Alcohol use can increase the
risk of cancers in the upper part of the
stomach closest to the oesophagus.
Food: Diets that have a lot of smoked,
salted and pickled foods can increase the
risk of stomach cancer.
Medical conditions: Some medical
conditions carry a higher risk of
stomach cancer.

Pernicious anaemia – There is an
increased risk of developing
stomach cancer in people with
pernicious anaemia.
3. Eat foods that are low in fat and
high in fibre. Smoked or pickled
foods should be avoided as well
as salted meats and fish. Eating
wholegrain products such as
wholegrain bread, oatmeal,
brown rice and some breakfast
cereals seem to lower the risk of
stomach cancer.
Chronic gastritis – Bacteria
called Helicobacter pylori are linked
to the development of gastritis.
Infection with these bacteria
may lead to changes in the lining
of the stomach. It can cause
indigestion. If the infection is
not treated properly, it can
spread and develop into chronic
Fresh fruit and vegetables with
vitamin A and C help lower the
risk also. These include green
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Information factsheet on cancer of the stomach
vegetables such as
broccoli/cabbage, carrots,
tomatoes and fruits such as kiwi
and oranges. It is recommended
that you eat five or more
portions of fruit and vegetables
every day.
cancer is caught the better the chance of
cure.
People who have a higher risk such as
those with chronic gastritis and
pernicious anaemia should look out for
the warning signs. Contact your doctor
if you have any unusual changes that
may be signs of cancer development.
Cancer of the stomach
How is cancer of the stomach
diagnosed?
When cancer occurs, the cells in the
lining of the stomach change to form a
tumour. The tumour may cause very few
symptoms at first but as it grows it can
begin to affect the digestion of food.
This can cause certain symptoms.
Most people begun by visiting their
family doctor or GP. Your GP will send
you to a hospital doctor for tests. After
checking your general health, some
special tests can be done in hospital.
What are the warning
signs/symptoms?

Unexplained loss of appetite

Weight loss

Difficulty in swallowing

Frequent bloated feeling after
eating

Unexplained tiredness – may be
due to anaemia from bleeding

Blood in the bowel motion or
black stools

Nagging stomach pain or feeling
sick or vomiting over time

These include endoscopy, where a
flexible tube is passed down your throat,
through the oesopahgus and into your
stomach. Small pieces of the lining of
your stomach can be removed for an
examination called a biopsy. The doctor
can look through the tube and check for
anything unusual.
Blood tests and a chest X-ray are also
done.
Barium meal is a special X-ray of your
oesophagus and stomach. A white drink
called barium is swallowed and about six
hours later X-rays are taken.
Staging and further tests
Indigestion or heartburn that
does not go away.
Staging means doing tests to find out
the exact size of the tumour and
whether it has spread to other parts of
the body. Sometimes further tests are
needed and can include the following:
These symptoms do not always mean
cancer. But if you have any of them,
especially for some weeks and for no
good reason, get your doctor to check
them to be certain.
Ultrasound scan: This test is carried
out in the X-ray department of the
hospital. Once you are lying comfortably
on your back, a gel is spread onto your
abdomen. A small probe like a flat
microphone, which produces sound
Attention to warning signs and
symptoms is the best way to detect
stomach cancer early. The earlier this
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Information factsheet on cancer of the stomach
waves, is then passed over the area.
Sound waves are used to give a picture
of your stomach and liver.
is a good idea to take a family member
or friend along when meeting the
doctor.
Endoscopic ultrasound: This test is
similar to an endoscopy. A small
ultrasound probe is connected to the
scope (tube) while in your stomach.
Sound waves are used to build up a
picture of the parts of your body from
inside your stomach.
Treatment for cancer of the
stomach
CT scan (CAT scan): This is a special
type of X-ray, which gives a detailed
picture of the inside of your body. It can
take up to 30 minutes. Sometimes you
are given a drink or an injection to help
show a particular part of your body.
Sometimes there may be a choice
between treatments. When talking about
treatments, find out about taking part in
a type of research study called clinical
trials.
It is important to find out from your
doctor or nurse how the different
treatments work, how long they will last
and what are the side-effects?
Surgery is the main treatment for
cancer of the stomach. The type of
surgery you have will depend on:
Laparoscopy: This is where the
surgeon looks inside the abdomen. A
small cut is made in your abdomen using
a tube with a light on it to see the organs
around your stomach. Biopsies can be
taken at this time. You will be put to
sleep for a laparoscopy.
MRI scan: This scan uses magnetic
fields and may need to be done before
treatment begins. It is painless and very
noisy. Some people find it
claustrophobic, but it is possible to
bring someone in with you while having
it done. If you have a pacemaker or any
type of metal device placed in your
body, it is important to tell the person
doing the scan.

The type of tumour

Its location in the stomach

The size of the tumour

If it has spread to other parts of the
body.
Surgery will involve taking away part of
the stomach, known as partial
gastrectomy, or removal of the entire
stomach known as total gastrectomy.
If it is not possible to remove the cancer
completely, surgery can still be used to
relieve pain, vomiting or blockage if
caused by the tumour.
After surgery there can be problems
digesting some foods. These problems
can be temporary or permanent. A
change in diet may be needed and
require a special diet. You may have to
take this diet for a few weeks or months,
or permanently. It will all depend on the
extent of the surgery.
When cancer of the stomach is
diagnosed
After cancer is diagnosed, shock,
disbelief and anxiety are natural
reactions. This can result in confusion.
You may find it hard to think of what
you want to ask the doctor. Sometimes
there is a lot of information to take in,
which might be difficult to remember
later. It helps to make a list of questions
and write down what the doctor says. It
Cramps, nausea, diarrhoea and dizziness
after eating can occur. This happens
because food and liquid enter the small
intestine too quickly. This group of
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Information factsheet on cancer of the stomach
symptoms is called the dumping
syndrome. The best way to control this
problem is to eat small meals
throughout the day. The doctor or a
dietitian (a nutrition specialist) can
explain if any changes to your diet are
needed.
surgery to try to prevent a recurrence of
the cancer.
Radiotherapy can cause side-effects that
occur during or after treatment. The
side-effects depend on the dose given
and can vary from person to person.
Nowadays there are more ways to
relieve side-effects. So it is important to
find out from your doctor or nurse
about any side-effects that could occur
during or after treatment.
Eating well means getting enough
calories and protein to prevent weight
loss, to build up strength and rebuild
normal tissues. This is important for
people with a diagnosis of stomach
cancer. The Irish Cancer Society has
more information about eating well in a
free booklet called Diet and the Cancer
Patient.
More information on radiotherapy and
its side-effects is available from the Irish
Cancer Society in a booklet called
Radiotherapy. You can also call the
National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200
700.
Chemotherapy is used to treat stomach
cancer. This type of treatment involves
the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and
can often be given after surgery in an
effort to prevent the cancer coming
back. This is called adjuvant
chemotherapy. Usually this type of
treatment is given in cycles for about six
months. Chemotherapy is also given to
treat stomach cancer when surgery is
not possible or when the cancer has
spread.
Further information
If you or someone you know is
diagnosed with stomach cancer, more
detailed information about its
symptoms, diagnosis and treatment is
available in a booklet called Understanding
Cancer of the Stomach. This booklet can
help you understand the feelings and
distress that can arise with a cancer
diagnosis. It is available free of charge
by calling the Irish Cancer Society’s
Helpline on 1800 200 700.
There are side-effects from
chemotherapy and these will depend on
the drugs that are used. Nowadays there
are many ways to relieve side-effects and
give you help and support. So do talk to
your doctor or nurse about side-effects.
More information on chemotherapy and
its side-effects is available from the Irish
Cancer Society in a booklet called
Chemotherapy. You can also call the
National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200
700.
For more information about
stomach cancer or about cancer in
general, call the Irish Cancer
Society’s Helpline on Freefone
1800 200 700
(Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm) or
email [email protected]
for confidential advice from our
cancer nurse specialists.
Radiotherapy is the use of powerful Xrays to treat cancer. It is not usually used
to treat stomach cancer, but can help to
relieve distressing symptoms like pain
caused by cancer. It may also be used in
conjunction with chemotherapy after
Irish Cancer Society
5 Northumberland Road
Dublin 4
Tel: (01) 231 0500
Fax: (01) 231 0555
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cancer.ie
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© Irish Cancer Society, 2004