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Symptoms

Main symptoms of stomach cancer

There are many possible symptoms of stomach cancer, but they might be hard to spot.

They can affect your digestion, such as:

Other symptoms include:

If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.

You might find you get used to them. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:

  • problems swallowing
  • a lump in your tummy
  • lost a noticeable amount of weight
  • other symptoms of stomach cancer that get worse or do not get better after 3 weeks
  • a condition that causes symptoms with your digestion that are not getting better after 3 weeks of using your usual treatments

Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:

  • you're being sick for more than 2 days
  • you have symptoms that you're worried about, but are not sure where to get help

111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Important

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have stomach cancer.

But it's important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

What happens at the GP appointment

The GP may feel your tummy.

They may ask you to give a poo or pee sample, or have a blood test.

Referral to a specialist

You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Information:

Find out more

Page last reviewed: 14 February 2023
Next review due: 14 February 2026