Overview
Stomach cancer often begins with vague symptoms — indigestion, early fullness, mild pain after meals — which is why it is frequently diagnosed later than it could be. Persistent dyspepsia that does not settle with routine treatment should be investigated with an endoscopy.
Once diagnosed, the biopsy is tested for HER2 status and mismatch repair or PD-L1 markers. These results decide whether targeted therapy or immunotherapy can be added to chemotherapy, and they meaningfully change the treatment plan.
For operable disease, chemotherapy is usually given before and after surgery. For advanced disease, treatment aims at control of the disease and relief of symptoms, with clear discussion of what each line of treatment can and cannot achieve.
Symptoms to watch for
- Long-standing indigestion or burning pain not relieved by medicines
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Nausea, vomiting or vomiting of blood
- Black stools or unexplained anaemia
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
How we treat it
- Endoscopic biopsy review with HER2, MSI and PD-L1 testing
- Perioperative chemotherapy before and after surgery
- HER2-targeted therapy for HER2-positive gastric cancer
- Immunotherapy in selected advanced cases
- Iron and nutritional correction alongside treatment
- Symptom control for pain, vomiting and obstruction
Frequently asked questions
Is long-standing acidity a sign of cancer?+
Usually not. But indigestion that persists beyond a few weeks despite treatment, especially with weight loss, anaemia or vomiting, should be evaluated by endoscopy.
Does H. pylori infection matter?+
Yes. Chronic H. pylori infection is a known risk factor for gastric cancer, and treating it when detected reduces that risk.
Why is chemotherapy given before surgery?+
It can shrink the tumour, treat microscopic spread and improve the chance of complete removal. It also shows how the tumour responds to the drugs chosen.
This page is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Please speak to a qualified doctor for advice specific to your condition.