Diagnosis and Treatment of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) is cancer that starts in any part of the stomach. Stomach cancer symptoms are different from those of other types of abdominal cavity organ cancers and it is also treated differently. The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 22,400 Americans will be diagnosed with stomach cancer per year. Most of these people are in their 60s and 70s when diagnosed.

Although the incidence of most forms of stomach cancer has been declining, the incidence of gastroesophageal junction cancer (cancer where the esophagus meets the stomach) has been rising over the last 20 years. Researchers are unsure of the reason for this increase but think that it may be related to eating foods with nitrates.

Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer

Besides diet, other causes of stomach cancer can include infection with the H. pylori bacteria, smoking tobacco, a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or Barrett's esophagus, or a family history of gastrointestinal cancer. Stanford researchers are especially active investigating the role of H. pylori infection in the cause of stomach cancer, and what impact it may have on treatment of cancer.

Stanford Expertise

Some rare forms of stomach cancer are hereditary. Physicians at the Stanford Cancer Center are actively researching the role that genes play in determining the outcome of cancer treatment. If you have relatives with stomach cancer or another form of gastrointestinal cancer, your doctor may arrange for your to meet with a genetic counselor at the Stanford Cancer Center.

Furthermore, surgeons at the Stanford Cancer Center who specialize in gastrointestinal surgery have conducted more surgeries for stomach cancer than physicians at nearly every California hospital, and have the expertise necessary to ensure that you have the best possible outcome and follow-up care.