Stomach Cancer

The stomach is a muscular sac-like organ in the upper abdomen. It is part of the digestive system. Organs of the digestive system change food into energy and help pass waste out of the body.

Stomach Cancer often does not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. The most common symptom is a mild ache in the abdomen that feels like indigestion.

About this Cancer

Statistics

  • The incidence rate for stomach cancer is expected to decrease in 2024, being the 12th most diagnosed cancer among males and 17th among females, with a 5-year survival rate of 27% and 32%, respectively.
  • It is estimated that around 4,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with stomach cancer, of which 2,600 are men and 1,400 are women, and that around half (2,000) of them will die from the disease (1,250 men and 760 women).

Source: Canadian Cancer Society stats 2024

Symptoms

  • Pain or discomfort in the abdomen region
  • Heartburn
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling full even after consuming a small meal
  • Bloating in the abdomen
  • Nausea or vomiting (may include blood)
  • Blood found in the stool
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Fluid build-up in the abdomen
  • Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, 

Risk Factors

  • Certain infections and medical conditions (for example, infection with H pylori bacteria)
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Inherited genetic conditions and family history of stomach cancer
  • Previous stomach surgery
  • Exposure to ionizing radiation 
  • Working in the rubber industry (being in contact with chemicals that cause cancer)
  • Type A blood
  • Alcohol
  • Overweight
  • Salt and salty foods.

For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society

Diagnosis

  • CBC (measurement of the number and quality of white/red blood cells and platelets)
  • Blood chemistry tests (measure specific chemicals in the blood)
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (looking inside the esophagus/stomach/small intestine)
  • Biopsy (tissue/cell removal and testing)
  • Tumour marker tests
  • CT (computed tomography) scan
  • Chest x-ray
  • MRI
  • PET scan
  • Laparoscopy (analyse or remove internal organs)

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society

Treatment

Treatment will vary based on the stage of cancer, the location of the tumour in the stomach, HER2 status, your overall health, and your preference. Treatment can include

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society.

Stories from Survivors

Stories from Other Groups

If you would like to share your stomach cancer story, please email us at info@survivornet.ca.

Resources

Latest Research

Stomach Cancer Groups

Canada

  • My Gut Feeling is a stomach cancer support network for patients, survivors and caregivers to provide peer-to-peer support, education, awareness and advocacy as they go through their cancer journey. Visit them at My Gut Feeling.  
  • Canadian Gastric Cancer Association (CaGCA):The Canadian Gastric Cancer Association (CaGCA) provides a platform for researchers and clinicians to access relevant research and share information with the goal of improving patient outcomes across the board. The CaGCA is an affiliate chapter of the International Gastric Cancer Association. Visit them at Canadian Gastric Cancer Association
  • Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: We are the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, Canada’s trusted resource on digestive health. Committed to providing useful, up-to-date information and research to help Canadians better manage digestive conditions and live healthier lives. Visit them at Canadian Digestive Health Foundation