6 faits sur le cancer de l’estomac

Learning about the risks, symptoms and treatments for stomach cancer will help you take the necessary steps towards managing your health and recovery.

4 min. read

In 2024, 4,000 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with stomach cancer and 2,000 Canadians are expected to die from the disease. The 5-year net survival rate is 29%. This means that, on average, about 29% of people diagnosed with stomach cancer will survive for at least 5 years. But it’s important to remember that the more we understand about stomach cancer, the more we can lower our risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

1) Stomach cancer starts in the cells of the stomach and symptoms may not be felt right away.

Most cases of stomach cancer are adenocarcinoma, which start in the gland cells that line the inside of the stomach. Signs and symptoms may not appear until the tumour grows bigger and spreads to surrounding areas.

A person having a consultation with a doctor.

2) More men than women develop stomach cancer and the risk increases with age.

There are many reasons why someone may be diagnosed with stomach cancer. But it is important to know that the risk of developing stomach cancer increases with age and is greatest after 50. In Canada, the number of new cases of stomach cancer each year has been going down since the 1980s. Most cases of stomach cancer are found in Japan, China, South America and Eastern Europe.

Men are more likely to develop stomach cancer than women. Some common risk factors for stomach cancer include having a stomach infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori), smoking any form of tobacco, drinking alcohol and having had previous stomach surgery.

A mother, father and daughter looking at a chart with a doctor.

3) You may need to visit the doctor more often if you are at a high risk of stomach cancer.

When stomach cancer is found and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. However, it’s important to remember that you may need to get regular checkups more often if you are at higher risk of stomach cancer. Your doctor may order a breath or stool test for H. pylori. During a health history check, your doctor may ask questions about recent symptoms, or stomach problems like gastritis or polyps. They may also have questions about your family history of stomach cancer or order tests like an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series or a GI endoscopy.

A person in a hospital waiting room talking to a doctor in hospital scrubs.

4) Tumours that have not grown beyond the stomach wall have a better prognosis.

Tumours that are found in the lower part of the stomach are more likely to be given a favourable prognosis by a doctor. But if stomach cancer has spread to the lymph nodes around the stomach, the risk is much higher that the cancer will spread to other parts of the body.

A person in a hospital bed holding the hand of their caregiver.

5) More symptoms will develop as the tumour spreads to other areas.

After the lymph nodes, stomach cancer also commonly spreads to the spleen, pancreas, small intestine, colon, liver and lungs. If stomach cancer spreads to other organs it can cause pain, weight loss, fatigue and blood in your stool (poop).

A person’s hands holding a bowl containing granola and blueberries in yogurt and a spoon.

6) A dietitian is a key member of the healthcare team who can provide counselling about nutrition

Weight loss following a stomach cancer diagnosis happens for many reasons. When cancer is advanced, the body may burn energy faster. Weight loss can also occur if all or part of the stomach is removed, resulting in loss of appetite or dumping syndrome. The remaining stomach or small intestine may also not digest food properly or absorb nutrients from food.

The following tips may be helpful for maintaining your weight, as your body fights the disease and copes with the side effects of treatment:

• Don’t skip meals. Try to eat regularly even if it’s only a few bites.

• Make every mouthful count by choosing foods and drinks that are high in protein and calories. Adding whole milk or cream to cereals or soups, sauces and gravies on meats and vegetables or extra butter to potatoes can help you stay full throughout the day

• You may have less energy, so keep nutritious, ready-to-eat foods that are high in protein and calories on hand. These can include ice cream, cheese and crackers, muffins, peanut butter, eggs, yogurt and puddings.

Your healthcare team may give you vitamin B12 and other supplements to help you get the vitamins and minerals that your body needs after treatment for stomach cancer.

Supporting cancer research can help fund treatments for stomach cancer. It can also lead to groundbreaking discoveries that improve the ability to find cancers in early stages. November 30 is Stomach Cancer Awareness Day. Show your support for people across Canada who have been impacted by stomach cancer and provide hope for a brighter future.

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6 facts about stomach cancer