Gastric cancer awareness month
November is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month. Gastric cancer is also known as stomach cancer.
The risk of developing stomach cancer increases as we get older. It is more common in men than in women.
Here you can find more about the symptoms of stomach (gastric) cancer and where you can get more support.
Signs and symptoms of gastric cancer
Symptoms of early stomach cancer can be like the symptoms of other common stomach problems such as a virus or stomach ulcer.
Common symptoms of stomach (gastric) cancer include:
- heartburn or indigestion that does not go away
- pain or discomfort in tummy (abdomen)
- loss of appetite
- feeling full after only eating a small amount
- unexplained weight loss.
Other possible symptoms can include:
- feeling or being sick
- difficulty swallowing
- burping a lot
- black poo (stools)
- feeling tired, weak or breathless.
It's important to talk to your GP or practice nurse and get any symptoms checked, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms which are unusual for you.
"The GPs didn’t really know what was wrong. They went through my family history and my father had had stomach ulcers, so that what they thought it was." - Elaine
Learn more about stomach (gastric) cancer
Information on our website
Translations and other formats
Other resources
Support for people affected by gastric cancer
Call the Macmillan Support Line
Find a support group
Online community
Cancer and cost of living advice
How you can help this Gastric Cancer Awareness Month
Have you been affected by cancer? Share your story with us to help people going through the same thing.
Be part of a movement of tens of thousands of people across the UK, who are campaigning for better support for people living with cancer.
With tons of fundraising events and ideas, as well as supporting you every step of the way, join Team Macmillan to raise money for people affected by cancer.