Overview
Stomach (gastric) cancer is common in East Asia and parts of Africa and South America.
When to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for vomiting blood or black stools.
Causes and risk factors
Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, salty and smoked foods, family history.
How it develops (pathophysiology)
Long-term H. pylori infection inflames the stomach lining, which thins (atrophy) and changes to intestinal-type cells. Further genetic damage can lead to dysplasia and cancer.
Signs and symptoms
Indigestion, feeling full quickly, weight loss, vomiting and anaemia.
How it is diagnosed
Endoscopy with biopsy and CT scans.
Possible complications
Bleeding, blockage and spread.
Medicines
Chemotherapy, targeted drugs and immunotherapy.
Other treatments
Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach.
Living with it and prevention
Treat H. pylori, do not smoke and limit salty preserved foods.
Outlook
Better when found early.
