Stomach cancer | Irish Cancer Society
Stomach cancer is more common in people aged over 55, and affects more men than women. About 570 people are diagnosed with it in Ireland every year.
Stomach cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiotherapy.
Symptoms and diagnosis of stomach cancer
Stomach cancer publications
Stomach cancer happens when cells in the stomach change and start to grow quickly. They can then form a tumour. The tumour can affect how the stomach works and cause problems for you. Stomach cancer can also be called gastric cancer.
About 570 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer in Ireland every year.
What is the stomach and what does it do?
The stomach is part of your digestive system. It is a hollow organ shaped like a bag that goes from the end of your oesophagus to the start of your small bowel.
In the stomach, glands make chemicals, such as enzymes and acids, to help break down food. The stomach lining also makes a type of protein called intrinsic factor. This helps to absorb vitamin B12 into your bloodstream needed by red blood cells and your nervous system.
Tests after a stomach cancer diagnosis
More information about stomach cancer treatment
Treatment for stomach cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiotherapy. For more information about treatments for stomach cancer, visit our treatment page.
After treatment for stomach cancer
What increases my risk of stomach cancer?
Publications about stomach cancer
Understanding Cancer of the Stomach booklet
down-arrow Created with Sketch. Download Understanding Cancer of the Stomach booklet (pdf)