“The earlier we catch stomach cancer, the more options we have to treat it,” says Yaseen Alkaddoumi, MD, an oncologist and hematologist at Northwestern Medicine. “This gives us a better chance of achieving the best outcome.” 

What Is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, starts when abnormal cells grow in the stomach lining. It often begins in the innermost layer. Over time, cancer cells can grow through the stomach wall and spread to nearby organs.

While rates are falling in the United States, stomach cancer is still a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although it is relatively uncommon in the United States, it still accounts for about 1.5% of new cancer diagnoses each year.

Early Signs of Gastric Cancer Are Easy To Miss

Early stomach cancer often causes mild symptoms that don’t raise concern. People may think they are dealing with stress, acid reflux or a stomach bug. Many cases of indigestion improve with simple changes, like diet or over‑the‑counter medications.

However, if symptoms last longer than expected or feel severe, it may be time to check in with your doctor. 

In more advanced stages, symptoms may include:

• Blood in your stool (poop) or vomit
• Feeling full after eating a small amount
• Ongoing indigestion or upper belly discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting, especially if it happens often
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue or weakness, which may be linked to anemia

“If stomach symptoms aren’t improving or are getting worse, it’s worth getting checked rather than waiting it out,” says Dr. Alkaddoumi. 

What Are the Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is more common in men, people over 60 and those with a family history of the disease. A key risk factor is a long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common type of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining and increase the risk of stomach cancer over time. H. pylori can often be detected with a breath test, stool test or biopsy during an endoscopy.

Other factors include: 

• Diet and lifestyle: Eating a lot of salted, smoked or pickled foods and not enough fruits and vegetables can increase risk. Heavy alcohol use and smoking also raise risk.
• Inflammation: Conditions, such as atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia, which affects the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12, also increase risk.
• Medical conditions: Obesity, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), gastric polyps, ulcers and prior stomach surgery may increase risk.
• Demographics: Hispanic, Black, Asian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native populations have higher rates of stomach cancer than white populations in the United States.

Tell your doctor if a close relative has had stomach cancer. Certain inherited genetic conditions can increase your risk and may warrant earlier evaluation or additional screening.

Healthy Habits That May Lower Risk

Small changes can help lower your risk of stomach cancer. Consider adding more of these foods to your diet:

• Fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits (like oranges and grapefruit)
• Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage
• Whole grains instead of white bread, pasta or rice
• Lean proteins like fish, chicken, beans and lentils

Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and not smoking also help reduce risk. Establishing healthy routines can make these habits easier to keep up over time.

How Doctors Evaluate Stomach Symptoms

If symptoms continue or you have a higher risk of stomach cancer, your doctor may recommend: 

• Upper endoscopy (EGD): A thin, flexible tube is passed through the mouth to look at your esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine. This is the most reliable way to screen for stomach cancer. 
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken during an endoscopy and checked under a microscope. 
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): Sound waves are used to create detailed images of the stomach and nearby areas. 
• Upper GI series: You drink a barium liquid that helps X-rays show the shape of your stomach. 
• Lab tests: Blood or stool tests can check for anemia, H. pylori or other concerns. 

“When stomach cancer is found early with the right tests, treatment is often more effective,” says Dr. Alkaddoumi.  

Stomach Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread and your overall health. Most people receive a combination of treatments.

Options may include:

• Surgery to remove part of the stomach affected by cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy, which focuses on specific cancer cells
• Immunotherapy
• Palliative care to help manage symptoms and improve comfort

“Understanding the biology of a tumor helps us choose treatments that better match each patient,” says Dr. Alkaddoumi.

Eating Well To Support Recovery

After treatment, your body may need time to adjust. Eating in a way that supports digestion and strength can help you feel better day to day.

Helpful tips:

• Eat small, more frequent meals.
• Choose soft, easy‑to‑digest foods like soups, yogurt and cooked vegetables.
• Include protein-rich foods like eggs, fish and beans.
• Avoid foods that irritate your stomach, such as spicy or fatty foods.
• Drink fluids between meals instead of during meals.

Your care team or a registered dietitian can help create a plan that works for you.

Understanding the Difference Between Stomach and Esophageal Cancer

While stomach cancer remains a concern, esophageal cancer has become more common in recent years. This includes cancers that develop where the esophagus meets the stomach. Higher rates of GERD, obesity and smoking play a role.

These cancers occur higher in the digestive tract and often cause different symptoms, such as:  

• Trouble swallowing
• Chest pain
• Ongoing cough or regurgitation

When To See a Doctor

Many stomach problems are caused by common conditions, not cancer. However, it’s important to see a doctor if you have digestive symptoms that:

• Last more than a few weeks
• Keep coming back
• Are getting worse
• Interfere with eating or daily activities

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Blood in your vomit
• Black or tarry stools (poop)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained, rapid weight loss

What Doctors Want You To Know

When it comes to your digestive health:

• Pay attention to changes in your body. Ongoing symptoms should not be ignored.
• Early detection matters. Finding cancer sooner often improves outcomes.
• H. pylori is common and treatable.
• Healthy habits, including a nutritious diet, regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco, can lower risk over time.
• An endoscopy can provide clear answers if your doctor recommends one.
• Advanced treatments continue to improve outcomes.

Staying aware of symptoms, keeping up with recommended tests and making healthy choices all play a role in your overall health.

“Gut health starts with paying attention to changes,” says Dr. Alkaddoumi. “If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to have it evaluated.”