Gastric Cancer
What is Gastric Cancer?
Gastric cancer is cancer that starts in the stomach lining. The stomach is a muscular sac that holds food and begins breaking it down with acid and enzymes. When cells in the stomach lining grow out of control, they can form tumors.
Most gastric cancers are adenocarcinomas, meaning they start in the cells that produce mucus and digestive fluids. This type of cancer often grows slowly over many years. Early changes in the stomach lining may not cause any symptoms at first.
Gastric cancer is more common in older adults, with most cases diagnosed after age 65. It is less common in the United States than in countries like Japan and Korea. When caught early, gastric cancer is more treatable. That is why understanding your risk factors and getting screened matters.
Symptoms
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Feeling full after eating small amounts
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stools
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen
Many people with early gastric cancer have no symptoms at all. Symptoms often appear only after the cancer has grown or spread. That is why blood tests and regular screenings are important for people at higher risk.
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Causes and risk factors
Gastric cancer develops when cells in the stomach lining undergo changes that make them grow uncontrollably. Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a major risk factor. This common stomach infection can cause long-term inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. Other risk factors include a diet high in smoked, salted, or pickled foods, low intake of fruits and vegetables, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.
Age is also a factor, with most cases occurring in people over 65. A family history of gastric cancer increases your risk. Certain genetic conditions, like hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, also raise risk. Previous stomach surgery, chronic stomach inflammation, and pernicious anemia are additional risk factors. Men are more likely than women to develop gastric cancer.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosing gastric cancer usually starts with a physical exam and reviewing your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may order an endoscopy, which uses a thin tube with a camera to look inside your stomach. During this procedure, tissue samples can be taken for biopsy to confirm cancer.
Blood tests play an important role in monitoring gastric cancer. Rite Aid offers add-on testing for tumor markers like CEA and CA 19-9, which can be elevated in people with gastric cancer. We also test for Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to gastric cancer risk. These tests help track treatment response and disease progression. Imaging tests like CT scans or PET scans may also be used to see if cancer has spread.
Treatment options
- Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells throughout the body
- Radiation therapy to target cancer in specific areas
- Targeted drug therapy that attacks specific cancer cell features
- Immunotherapy to help your immune system fight cancer
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals to manage digestive changes
- Nutritional support to maintain weight and strength during treatment
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol to support recovery
- Managing symptoms like pain and nausea with medication
Need testing for Gastric Cancer? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Early gastric cancer often has no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include persistent indigestion, stomach discomfort, or loss of appetite. Many people mistake these signs for common digestive issues. That is why screening is important for people at higher risk.
Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose gastric cancer, but they can help monitor the disease. Tumor markers like CEA and CA 19-9 may be elevated in people with gastric cancer. These tests are useful for tracking treatment response and watching for recurrence. A biopsy from an endoscopy is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining. It causes long-term inflammation and damage that can increase cancer risk over time. Treating this infection with antibiotics can lower your risk of developing gastric cancer. Blood tests can check for the presence of this bacteria.
Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Options include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drugs. Many people receive a combination of treatments. Early stage cancer may be cured with surgery alone, while advanced cases often require multiple approaches.
Limit smoked, salted, and pickled foods, which contain compounds that may damage the stomach lining. Reduce processed meats and foods high in nitrates. Instead, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain protective antioxidants. A diet rich in whole foods supports stomach health.
Most gastric cancers are not inherited, but family history does increase your risk. Some rare genetic syndromes, like hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, significantly raise risk. If multiple family members have had gastric cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic testing. Knowing your family history helps guide screening decisions.
Screening recommendations depend on your risk factors. People at average risk in the United States typically do not need routine screening. If you have Helicobacter pylori infection, a family history of gastric cancer, or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend regular endoscopy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the right schedule for you.
Survival depends heavily on the stage at diagnosis. When caught early and confined to the stomach lining, the five-year survival rate is around 70 percent. If cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, survival rates are lower. Early detection through screening improves outcomes significantly.
Yes, several lifestyle changes can lower your risk. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding processed and heavily salted foods. Treat Helicobacter pylori infections if detected. These steps support overall stomach health and reduce cancer risk.
Tumor markers are substances in the blood that may be elevated when cancer is present. CEA and CA 19-9 are markers that can be elevated in gastric cancer. They are not used for diagnosis but help doctors monitor how well treatment is working. Rising levels may indicate cancer progression or recurrence.