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Stomach Cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Digestive System

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer primarily affects older adults and is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

Overview

The stomach is an organ located between the esophagus and the small intestine that mixes food with stomach acid to digest protein. Two-thirds of people diagnosed with stomach cancer are over age 65.

Risk Factors

Your risk of developing stomach cancer is higher if you:

  • Have had a Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Have had stomach inflammation
  • Are a man
  • Eat large amounts of salted, smoked, or pickled foods
  • Smoke cigarettes
  • Have a family history of stomach cancer

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early symptoms like indigestion and stomach discomfort are often indistinguishable from other common issues. In advanced cases, symptoms may include blood in the stool, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or trouble swallowing. Doctors diagnose the condition through physical exams, blood and imaging tests, endoscopy, and biopsy. Because it is often found late, treatment—which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination—can be challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

While most cases of stomach cancer are not inherited, having a first-degree relative with the disease does increase your risk. If you have a family history, you should discuss genetic counseling with your doctor. They may recommend earlier or more frequent screening through endoscopy, especially if you also have other risk factors like H. pylori infection or a diet high in salted foods.
Early symptoms of stomach cancer, such as mild indigestion, heartburn, or a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts, are often indistinguishable from common gastrointestinal issues. However, you should seek medical attention if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or if you experience more advanced warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or black, tarry stools that may indicate internal bleeding.
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and blood tests to check for anemia or other abnormalities. The most critical step is an upper endoscopy, where a doctor inserts a flexible tube with a camera into the stomach to visualize the lining. If any suspicious areas are found, a biopsy is performed to collect tissue samples for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
To reduce your risk, it is crucial to maintain a diet low in salt and processed foods, specifically avoiding smoked, pickled, or heavily salted meats and fish. You should also quit smoking, as tobacco use significantly increases the likelihood of developing this condition. Additionally, ensuring you are tested and treated for Helicobacter pylori infection, a common bacterial cause of stomach inflammation, can help prevent long-term damage to the stomach lining.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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