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Understanding Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Jerome Albert Ecker | MD

Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on May 27th, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • Adenocarcinoma accounts for 90-95% of cases and typically develops over 10-20 years from chronic H. pylori infection, which increases risk 2-6 times compared to uninfected individuals.

  • Early symptoms mimic common digestive issues—persistent indigestion, feeling full after small meals, and mild nausea—making diagnosis challenging until advanced stages when only 20% survive 5 years.

  • Japan and South Korea have the highest incidence rates (40-50 cases per 100,000 people) due to dietary factors, leading these countries to implement routine screening endoscopy after age 50.

  • Surgical resection offers the only potential cure, but requires removing 60-80% of the stomach in most cases, fundamentally changing how patients eat for life.

  • Risk drops 35% in people who eliminate H. pylori through antibiotic treatment, and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables daily can reduce risk by up to 50% compared to low-intake diets.

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a condition that develops when cancer cells form in the inner lining of the stomach. While it usually grows slowly over many years, it's essential to be aware of the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with this disease.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

In the early stages, stomach cancer may cause mild symptoms such as:

  • Indigestion

  • Bloating after meals

  • Heartburn

  • Slight nausea

  • Loss of appetite

  • Early satiety (feeling full quickly)

As the cancer progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including:

  • Stomach pain

  • Black or tarry stools

  • Vomiting

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)

  • Swelling in the stomach

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Weakness or fatigue

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, several factors can increase your risk, such as:

  • Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria

  • Chronic inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)

  • Pernicious anemia

  • Stomach polyps

  • Smoking

  • Being overweight or obese

  • A diet high in smoked, pickled, or salty foods

  • Regular alcohol consumption

  • Previous stomach surgery for an ulcer

  • Type-A blood

  • Epstein-Barr virus infection

  • Certain genetic factors

  • Occupational exposure to coal, metal, timber, or rubber industries

  • Exposure to asbestos

  • Family history of gastric cancer

Diagnosing Stomach Cancer

If you experience persistent symptoms or have multiple risk factors, your doctor may recommend tests to diagnose stomach cancer, such as:

  • Blood tests

  • Upper endoscopy

  • Upper GI series test

  • CT scan

  • Biopsy

Understanding Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer

Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include:

  • Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes

  • Chemotherapy

  • Radiation therapy

  • Targeted therapy

  • Palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life

Your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and the extent of your cancer.

Preventing Stomach Cancer

While not all cases of stomach cancer can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk, such as:

  • Treating stomach infections like H. pylori

  • Eating a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

  • Discussing the risks and benefits of long-term aspirin or NSAID use with your doctor

By understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with stomach cancer, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and seek prompt medical attention if necessary. If you have concerns about your risk for stomach cancer, don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider.

For more information on stomach cancer, visit:

The Bottom Line

This aggressive cancer often goes undetected until advanced stages because early symptoms resemble common digestive problems, making awareness of persistent symptoms crucial for timely intervention. Testing for H. pylori infection and treating it when found represents one of the most effective prevention strategies available. If you're experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms that concern you, Doctronic can help connect you with appropriate evaluation and care.

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