Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer) happens when some of the cells in your stomach start to grow and multiply in an unusual way.

The stomach has many layers, including an outer and inner lining, a layer of muscle, and supportive tissue that holds it all together. Cancer can grow in any of these layers, but most stomach cancer starts in the inner lining.

Other less common types of cancer can grow in different parts of the stomach:

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). These can grow in cells that normally help to move food through your digestive system.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This can grow in your stomach’s immune system cells.
• Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). These can grow in your stomach’s hormone cells.

Treatment for stomach cancer depends upon the type of cancer, how early it has been diagnosed, and your general health.

Symptoms of stomach cancer can vary and can be similar to other conditions. The most common symptoms of stomach cancer include; ^{Footnote [1]}  

• Feeling sick or being sick.
• Feeling full very quickly or losing your appetite.
• Stomach pain or indigestion which doesn't go away.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Feeling tired and out of breath.
• Dark/black poo.

 If you have any of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean that you have stomach cancer as other conditions have similar symptoms, therefore it is important to speak to your doctor and to get a diagnosis.

Speak to your doctor if you have symptoms of stomach cancer. They’ll examine you and if appropriate will refer you for diagnostic tests. These may include:

• A physical examination to check your tummy for swelling or lumps.
• A blood test.
• A gastroscopy. A camera at the end of a tube is used to view your stomach, oesophagus (food pipe) and part of your small intestine.
• Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist for further diagnostic tests. These could include:
  • CT and PET-CT scans.
  • An endoscopic ultrasound. A camera at the end of a tube is used to look into your stomach, and an ultrasound is used to make a picture of the inside of your body.
  • A laparoscopy. A surgeon makes a small cut in your tummy and uses it to look for signs of cancer and where it may have spread.
  • A biopsy. A small sample of your stomach may be taken and checked under the microscope for signs of cancer.

These tests may sound scary, but they’re really important. Doctors are very skilled at making them as comfortable as possible.

A team of doctors will plan the best treatment for you. They will review the staging (how advanced the cancer is), the grading (how aggressive the cancer is), and your general health, to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway which will then be discussed with you.

Following your consent, you could have one or several different treatments. These include: ^{Footnote [2]}  

• Radiotherapy. Strong X-rays are used to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy. Special drugs are used to destroy cancer cells and prevent tumour growth.
• Surgery. If your cancer hasn’t yet spread, doctors can remove it. They may need to remove part, or all, of your stomach to prevent the cancer from spreading.
• Targeted cancer drugs. These can slow down the growth of cancer cells.
•  Immunotherapy cancer drugs. These help your immune system to fight cancer.
• A Stent. If your cancer is blocking the entrance to your stomach or bowel, a special tube called a stent can be used to hold it open.
• Laser therapy. Hot beams of light are used to burn away any blockages in your stomach or oesophagus.

After your treatment, you’ll have regular tests and checkups with your doctor to monitor any complications and/or side effects of treatment. If you’re worried, you’ll be able to discuss this with your doctor and/or nursing team as they can give you information, advice and emotional support.

Doctors don’t yet know exactly what causes stomach cancer, but risk factors include; ^{Footnote [3]}  

• Age over 50 years.
• Gender. Men have a higher risk of stomach cancer than women.
• Helicobacter pylori infection (H. Pylori). Most people aren't affected by these bacteria, but for some people it can cause stomach ulcers and swelling. This can, in turn, cause cancer.
• A history of severe acid reflux or gastritis.
• Pernicious anaemia which affects the immune system.
• Family history of stomach cancer.

These are risk factors, but they don't mean that you will get stomach cancer.

There are some things you can avoid or work towards controlling which may help you to prevent stomach cancer. These include:

• Being overweight or obese.
• Smoking tobacco. The risk increases the more that you smoke.
• Drinking alcohol. The risk is higher if you drink three or more units of alcohol a day.
• Being around toxic chemicals that are used in some workplaces.
• Poor diet. Aim to eat a good variety of fruits and vegetables.

Reducing or avoiding the above can lower the risk of developing stomach cancer. You’ll also improve your overall health. 

You could claim for treatment for stomach cancer using your health insurance cover. The first step is to get a referral from your GP. Then you can make a claim through MyAviva, online or over the phone.

If we confirm your claim is eligible, we’ll pay for the treatment subject to policy terms and conditions. Just be sure to tell us if you change treatment, hospital, or specialist.

It’s good to have one less thing to worry about. It takes Aviva.