Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the stomach. It can occur in any part of the stomach, but in the U.S., it most commonly affects the area where the stomach meets the esophagus.

Early stages often present no symptoms, making detection difficult. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include indigestion, bloating, nausea, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. In advanced cases, vomiting blood or black stools may occur.

Risk factors include infection with Helicobacter pylori, smoking, diets high in salty or smoked foods, chronic stomach inflammation, and a family history of stomach cancer. Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy, imaging, and biopsy.

In 2025, an estimated 30,300 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., with 10,780 deaths expected. The disease accounts for about 1.5% of all new cancer cases annually. The five-year relative survival rate is approximately 37.9%, though outcomes vary significantly depending on the stage at diagnosis. While incidence rates have declined in the U.S., stomach cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.

Early detection greatly improves prognosis, so persistent digestive symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider.

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper has top cancer experts who specialize in the treatment of stomach cancer.