what is stomach cancer? understanding symptoms, treatment and prevention

ninety-five per cent of cases are known as adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer that begins in the cells that secrete stomach acid.

by dave yasvinski

published sep 26, 2022

last updated feb 06, 2024

3 minute read

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3 minute read

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stomach cancer can’t be prevented but you can lower your risk of encountering the disease by making some lifestyle changes. getty

stomach (or gastric) cancer refers to an abnormal growth of cells that forms in the stomach. if these cells are cancerous, their uncontrolled growth can use up the body’s resources and cause healthy cells to starve and die. according to my gut feeling, these cells can also accumulate and form tumours that invade surrounding tissue and metastasize (or spread) to other parts of the body. although there are different types of stomach cancer, 95 per cent of cases are known as adenocarcinoma, a form of the disease that begins in the gland cells that secrete gastric juices (or stomach acid) into the inner stomach lining. stomach cancer usually develops slowly over the course of years and can be difficult to diagnose because the disease does not often present symptoms until after it has spread to other parts of the body.

surgery is typically required to remove this form of cancer, although other types of therapy may be needed before or after this step is taken.

what are the symptoms of stomach cancer?

signs of stomach cancer can be elusive and may only appear once tumours have grown to a certain size or the cancer has moved to other parts of the body. according to the canadian cancer society, when symptoms do present, they can include:

abdominal pain, bloating or indigestion
loss of appetite
heartburn
feeling full after a small meal
loss of appetite
blood in the stool
nausea or vomiting that may also contain blood
fatigue and weakness
unintentional weight loss
anemia
problems swallowing
jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes)

diagnosing stomach cancer

investigating stomach cancer may seem like a long and frustrating process but there are other conditions that present similar symptoms and it can take time for doctors to be sure of the diagnosis. the first step is generally a discussion of symptoms and a physical examination during which a doctor may feel around for signs of a mass in the stomach. this may be followed by a series of tests that can determine the presence and stage of the cancer, including:

blood tests, which measure organ function and the number and quality of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
an upper endoscopy, which gives doctors a better look at the inside of the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine
a biopsy, in which cells or tissues may be removed and tested in a lab; tumour marker tests, which look for specific markers that may indicate the presence of a tumour
imaging scans such as x-rays, ct scans, pet scans or an mri can provide a better look at what’s happening inside the stomach
laparoscopy, a procedure that makes small incisions and captures images that help determine the extent of the issue

how is stomach cancer treated?

although it varies depending on the type and stage of the cancer, surgery is usually recommended to treat stomach cancer. if the disease has not spread extensively, it is possible this can be done through an upper endoscopy. if the cancer has progressed, however, doctors may be forced to perform a gastrectomy that removes all or part of the stomach. other treatments — including chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drug therapy and immunology — may also be used to attack the cancer cells directly.

preventing stomach cancer

stomach cancer can’t be prevented but you can lower your risk of encountering the disease by making some lifestyle changes. according to healthline, these include eating a healthy diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcoholic intake and exercising regularly.

how many canadians will be diagnosed with stomach cancer?

it is estimated that around 4,100 canadians (2,600 men and 1,450 women) will develop stomach cancer in 2022. in the same year, it is projected that roughly 2,000 people (1,250 men and 730 women) will die from the disease.

support and resources for stomach cancer

the canadian cancer society, my gut feeling, and the canadian digestive health foundation offers information about stomach cancer, as well as stories from patients and caregivers and access to support groups.

dave yasvinski

what is stomach cancer? understanding symptoms, treatment and prevention