Gastric Cancer
1 medicine
Gastric cancer begins in the cells lining the stomach and is often silent in its early stages. Treatment combines surgery with chemotherapy agents such as capecitabine depending on the stage.
Key facts
- Gastric cancer begins in the cells lining the stomach. Risk factors include H. pylori infection and a diet high in salt-preserved foods.
- Early stages are often silent; later symptoms include persistent indigestion, unexplained weight loss, early fullness, nausea, blood in vomit or stools, or dull upper-abdominal pain.
- Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach is the main approach for localised disease. Chemotherapy, including agents such as capecitabine, is used alongside surgery or as the primary treatment when surgery is not possible.
- Anyone with persistent symptoms beyond a few weeks, especially alongside weight loss, should seek prompt medical assessment.
Risk factors
Chronic infection with H. pylori bacteria is the strongest known risk factor, since long-standing inflammation of the stomach lining can gradually lead to precancerous changes. A diet high in salt-preserved or smoked foods, smoking, a family history of gastric cancer, and prior stomach surgery also raise risk. Treating H. pylori infection when it is found lowers the long-term chance of developing gastric cancer.
Recognising it early
Gastric cancer is often silent in its early stages. As it advances, people notice persistent indigestion or heartburn that does not settle, unexplained weight loss, a feeling of fullness after small meals, nausea, blood in vomit or stools, or dull upper-abdominal pain. These symptoms overlap with many benign conditions, which is why they tend to be investigated late.
How gastric cancer is managed
Treatment depends on the stage and extent of spread. Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach is the main approach for localised disease. Chemotherapy is used alongside surgery or as the primary treatment when surgery is not possible. Capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine agent, is widely used in combination regimens for gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are additional options depending on tumour biology. Full treatment planning sits within oncology and is led by a specialist team.
When to see a doctor
Anyone with symptoms that persist beyond a few weeks, especially alongside weight loss, should seek medical assessment promptly.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.