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.
Some are more obvious, such as:
- losing weight without trying to
- feeling or being sick
- having problems swallowing (dysphagia)
- a lump at the top of your tummy
Others might be harder to spot, such as:
- heartburn or acid reflux
- loss of appetite
- symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot
- feeling full very quickly when eating
- 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.
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.
See a GP if you have:
- any of these symptoms that get worse or do not get better after 3 weeks
- a condition that causes symptoms like these, and your symptoms are not getting better after 3 weeks of using your usual treatments
- problems swallowing
- a lump in your tummy
What happens at the GP appointment
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.
Cancer Research UK has more information and advice about seeing a GP about symptoms of stomach cancer.
Page last reviewed: Fri Oct 2022 Next review due: Fri Oct 2022
