Stomach cancer can grow for some time before causing noticeable symptoms. As the cancer grows or spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause symptoms such as bloody vomit or stool, unexplained weight loss, and more.

Stomach cancer grows from cells in the stomach. It develops slowly, and typically only causes symptoms in more advanced stages.

This article explains the potential symptoms of stomach cancer at early and advanced stages, signs the cancer may have spread, ways to manage symptoms, and more.

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Stomach cancer may not cause symptoms until it reaches more advanced stages. They are more likely to occur when the tumor becomes large or once the cancer spreads to other areas of the body (metastasizes).

This means that most people receive a diagnosis of stomach cancer when it has reached an advanced stage. However, this may also be due to a lack of routine screening for stomach cancer in countries such as the United States.

Knowing about risk factors for stomach cancer, such as Helicobacter pylori infection and certain dietary factors, may help with earlier detection.

Stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. If they do occur, symptoms of early stage stomach cancer may include:

It is important to note that these symptoms can occur due to a wide range of conditions. It is rare that they indicate stomach cancer, but a person should still contact a doctor if they have concerns about the symptoms they are experiencing.

As stomach cancer advances, it is more likely to cause noticeable symptoms. In addition to symptoms potentially present in earlier stages, a person may also develop symptoms such as:

Another potential sign is the development of an abdominal mass that healthcare professionals or a person can feel on examination. Lymph nodes may also present as swollen.

Infections and ulcers can cause similar issues. However, people should consider seeing a healthcare professional if they develop any unusual or persistent symptoms.

A healthcare professional can help rule out different causes and diagnose stomach cancer if it is present.

Stomach cancer that spreads, or metastasizes, may cause additional symptoms according to where the cancer spreads.

For example, if the cancer spreads to the liver, a person may develop jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes due to potential liver issues.

In addition to the liver, stomach cancer commonly spreads to the lymph nodes and lungs.

Stomach cancer that spreads to the bones may cause fractures or easy breaks and pain in the bones. If it spreads to the lungs, it may cause a persistent cough or difficulty breathing.

Directly treating the cancer may help to relieve some symptoms of stomach cancer. A person’s healthcare team can advise on any medications that may be safe for them to take to manage pain and other symptoms.

The American Cancer Society also recommends anyone with cancer receive palliative care. This helps to take care of the emotional and mental health challenges associated with cancer.

Where is stomach cancer pain?

People with stomach cancer may feel pain and pressure in their abdomen. If the cancer spreads, they may feel pain in their bones.

Does stomach cancer spread fast?

Stomach cancer is a generally slow-growing cancer. It can take years for cancer to become advanced or spread to other areas of the body.

Where is the first place stomach cancer spreads to?

A 2022 study found that stomach cancer spread to the following areas in people from the United States:

  • abdominal lining, in 43% of people
  • liver, in 26% of people
  • distant lymph nodes, in 20% of people
  • bone, brain, or lungs, in 11% of people

Is stomach cancer fatal?

The outcome for stomach cancer is better with early diagnosis. Once it advances, this cancer becomes more challenging to treat.

The 5-year relative survival rates for stomach cancer are: 75% for local cancer (only in the stomach); 35% for regional cancer (spread to local tissue or lymph nodes); and 7% for metastatic stomach cancer (spread to distant organs).

A relative survival rate helps give an idea of how long a person with a particular condition will live after receiving a diagnosis compared with those without the condition.

For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate is 70%, it means that a person with the condition is 70% as likely to live for 5 years as someone without the condition.

It is important to remember that these figures are estimates. A person can consult a healthcare professional about how their condition is going to affect them.

Stomach cancer typically does not cause symptoms in the early stages. If symptoms do develop early, they can include appetite loss, unexplained weight loss, heartburn, nausea, and abdominal pain.

As the cancer grows or spreads, it can lead to worsening or new symptoms. Examples include bloody vomit, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, and fluid buildup in the abdomen.

If the cancer spreads, a person may experience symptoms associated with the location to which it spreads.

It is important to contact a doctor as soon as someone has concerns about stomach cancer. Treatment is generally more successful if doctors diagnose the condition in the early stages.