What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, begins when cells in the stomach start to grow out of control. It can begin in any part of the stomach and spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body, such as the liver, bones, lungs, and ovaries. 62% of people with stomach cancer are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread beyond the location it began in.
1.5%
of all new cancer cases are diagnosed as stomach cancer annually in the US
26,500
new estimated cases will be diagnosed in the US in 2023
What are the types of stomach cancer?
Most stomach cancers (90 to 95%) are a type called adenocarcinoma, which develops from the gland cells in the innermost lining of the stomach called the mucosa.
There are 2 main types of stomach adenocarcinomas:
- Intestinal, which tends to have a slightly better outlook because the cancer cells are more likely to have certain gene changes that might allow for targeted drug therapy
- Diffuse, which is less common than the intestinal type but harder to treat. These cancer cells tend to grow and spread more quickly
Other types of stomach cancer that tend to be rare consist of:
- Lymphoma—starts in immune system cells called lymphocytes, usually in other parts of the body but sometimes in the stomach wall
- Gastric sarcoma—starts in very early forms of cells in the wall of the stomach called “interstitial cells of Cajal”
- Neuroendocrine tumors—start in cells from the stomach or other parts of the digestive system. These cells act like nerve cells in some ways and like hormone-making (endocrine cells) in other ways
Risk factors
Risk factors for developing stomach cancer may include:
Aging: Stomach cancer occurs most commonly in patients older than 55 but is mostly diagnosed in 60s and 70s
Sex: Males are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer as females
Infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which causes inflammation and ulcers
Family history/genetics: People with a parent, child, or sibling who has had stomach cancer will likely have a higher risk of the disease. Certain inherited genetic disorders, such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), may also increase the risk of stomach cancer
Race/ethnicity: Stomach cancer is more common in certain race and ethnic groups, including Black, Hispanic, and Asian people
Regularly eating foods high in salt
Previous stomach surgery or health conditions, such as pernicious anemia and achlorhydria. Pernicious anemia happens when your red blood cells decrease severely if your stomach cannot take in enough vitamin B12. Achlorhydria is when your stomach lacks the acid needed to help digest food
Exposure to certain dusts and fumes
Tobacco and alcohol use
Obesity
Please note that the risk factors listed above are not exhaustive.
