Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the stomach. It's not very common in the UK.

There are many possible symptoms of stomach cancer, but they might be hard to spot.

They can affect your digestion, such as:

• heartburn or acid reflux


• having problems swallowing (dysphagia)


• feeling or being sick


• symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot


• feeling full very quickly when eating

Other symptoms include:

• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to


• a lump at the top of your tummy


• pain at the top of your tummy


• feeling tired or having no energy

If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.

You might find you get used to them. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

Get advice from 111 now if:

See a GP if you have:

Important

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have stomach cancer.

But it's important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

The GP may feel your tummy.

They may ask you to give a poo or pee sample, or have a blood test.

The GP may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.

This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Find out more

Cancer Research UK: seeing a GP about symptoms of stomach cancer.