Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is more common in people aged over 55 and affects more men than women. About 570 people are diagnosed with it in Ireland every year.*
Signs and symptoms
Learn about the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer. You are more likely to survive cancer if you find it at an earlier stage.
Treatments
There are a number of different treatments available for stomach cancer. Your medical team will explain the best treatment options for you.
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer happens when cells in the stomach change and over time develop into a tumour. As the tumour gets bigger it can affect the digestion of food and cause symptoms. Stomach cancer can also be called gastric cancer.
About 570 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer in Ireland every year.*
What are the types of stomach cancer?
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach: This starts in the gland cells in the stomach lining. This is the most common type of stomach cancer. Most people have this type of stomach cancer.
- Lymphomas, for example, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas.
- Soft tissue sarcomas, for example, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs)
- Gastro oesophageal junction cancer (GOJ): This develops where your food pipe (oesophagus) joins the stomach. GOJ can be treated like a stomach or an [oesophageal cancer], depending on where the cancer is.
- Neuro-endocrine tumours (NETS)
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
What is the stomach and what does it do?
The stomach is part of your digestive system. It is a hollow organ shaped like a bag that goes from the end of your oesophagus (food pipe) to the start of your small bowel.
In the stomach lining, glands make chemicals, such as enzymes and acids, to help break down food. The stomach lining also makes a type of protein called intrinsic factor. This helps to absorb vitamin B12 into your bloodstream needed by red blood cells and your nervous system.
What increases my risk of stomach cancer?
These risk factors increase your chance of developing stomach cancer:
It is more likely to occur in people over the age of 55.
It is more common in men than women.
Smoking increases the risk of stomach cancer.
There is some research to say that drinking alcohol in large quantities is linked to stomach cancer.
A diet low in fresh fruit and vegetables and high in salt-preserved foods, processed meat and preservatives can increase your risk of stomach cancer.
If you have a history of gastritis, stomach ulcers or acid reflux, you may be at an increased risk.
If a family member has had stomach cancer, your risk may be higher.
In this condition, abnormal cells develop in the lining of the lower end of the oesophagus where it joins the stomach. A small number of people with this condition develop stomach cancer.
If these bacteria in your stomach are left untreated, your risk of getting stomach cancer may be higher. The risk is higher if you smoke and have a poor diet as well.
If you are lacking vitamin B12, it can cause pernicious anaemia, which affects the lining of your stomach.
These are conditions you are born with and run in families. For example, if you have small benign growths in your stomach, it can increase your risk of stomach cancer. These conditions are usually rare. An example is Lynch syndrome.
Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will get cancer. Sometimes people with no risk factors get the disease. If you’re worried, talk to your GP or talk to one of our cancer nurses. Call our Support Line on 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre.
The most important things you can do to reduce your risk of stomach cancer are to:
The most important things you can do to reduce your risk of stomach cancer are to:
- Stop smoking
- Eat a balanced diet
- Avoid alcohol or stay within the low-risk guidelines
- Be extra careful if you have Barrett’s oesophagus, GORD or other conditions that may increase your risk
Medical content updated from our 'Understanding stomach cancer' booklet (2023). Reviewed by William Robb, Consultant Upper GI Surgeon, Wendy Hickey, Upper GI Cancer Nurse Specialist and Phil Harford, Daffodil Centre Nurse.
Talk to a Cancer Nurse
Support Line
Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer. Call or email supportline@irishcancer.ie. Video calls available. Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Our Daffodil Centres
Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
*The Irish Cancer Society uses the most up-to-date cancer statistics from the National Cancer Registry Ireland, available on www.ncri.ie
