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Medical illustration for the Stomach (Gastric) Cancer guide
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Stomach (Gastric) Cancer

Cancer forming in the stomach lining. Tends to develop slowly.

Gastric Cancer Overview

Can develop over many years. H. pylori infection is a major cause, along with dietary factors. Early symptoms are often mistaken for minor stomach issues.
Medical illustration accompanying the Stomach (Gastric) Cancer overview

Symptoms (Often Vague)

  • Indigestion, persistent severe heartburn.
  • Feeling bloated or full after eating small amounts.
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting (sometimes with blood).
  • Upper stomach pain.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Fatigue and weakness due to anemia.

Treatments

Surgery is the main curative option, often combined with other therapies.

Gastrectomy (Total or Subtotal)

Removal of all or part of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes.

Perioperative Chemotherapy

Given before and/or after surgery to improve outcomes.

Sources and medical information

Prepared by Tutti Cancer Warriors

Sources checked: 29 July 2026

This page provides general educational information. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Stomach cancer may cause no symptoms in its early stages. Indigestion, bloating after eating, nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn, stomach pain, vomiting, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, fluid build-up in the abdomen or trouble swallowing can also have many other causes. Contact a healthcare professional about persistent, unexplained or worsening symptoms; seek urgent medical care for vomiting blood or black or bloody stools. Most stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, while gastrointestinal stromal tumours and gastric lymphomas are different diseases that may require different treatment. The WHO cancer fact sheet updated on 3 July 2026 reports the latest complete global estimates: about 1.0 million new stomach cancer cases and 642,000 deaths in 2024. These population estimates cannot predict an individual outcome; prognosis and treatment depend on the exact cancer type, stage, tumour features, overall health and response to treatment.

Official sources

Key Facts

1.0MLatest estimated new stomach cancer cases worldwide — 2024 data (WHO, published 2026)
642KLatest estimated deaths from stomach cancer worldwide — 2024 data (WHO, published 2026)

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