Gastric Cancer Genetic Testing
What are the benefits of genetic testing for genes?
Up to 10% of people diagnosed with have an that caused their cancer.
- For people with gastric cancer, genetic test results may affect your cancer treatment options, including allowing you access to newer therapies or to avoid therapies that are less likely to help you.
- Genetic test results may help you and your relatives understand the risk for cancer and take action to stay healthy.
- If you test positive for an , you may have an increased risk for other cancers.
- Your test may allow relatives to learn if they are at increased or average risk for cancer.
- Expert guidelines outline cancer screening and prevention options for people who test positive for a mutation linked to gastric cancer risk.
Who should get genetic testing after a diagnosis?
Experts from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend that people with talk with their doctor about genetic counseling and testing for an , if the following applies:
- People with a relative who tested positive for an .
- People diagnosed with a type of called at any age. The evidence supporting genetic testing is strongest for people diagnosed before age 50, because they are more likely to test positive for an . However, inherited mutations can also be found in people diagnosed at older ages, so many experts recommend considering genetic testing regardless of age.
- People diagnosed with a type of known as diffuse or signet ring cell carcinoma. Diffuse may be part of Hereditary Diffuse (HDGC), a condition most commonly caused by inherited mutations in the gene
- People diagnosed with with a personal or family history of any of the following types of cancer associated with (e.g., colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, small intestine, urinary tract or other cancers).
- People with a personal history of 100 or more fundic gland in the portion of the stomach known as the fundus or body.
A genetics expert can help you understand genetic testing, guide you through the process, and explain what the results mean for you and your relatives.
survivors who had testing in the past may benefit from additional genetic counseling and testing
People with may benefit from additional genetic counseling and expanded genetic testing if they had genetic testing in the past, tested negative, and:
- they had a test that only looked for one or a few genes, or
- they had genetic testing before 2014. Genetic testing has improved, and laboratories can now find gene mutations that may have previously been missed.
Should relatives of people with get genetic testing?
Genetic counseling and testing is recommended for anyone with the following family history of gastric cancer:
- One or more 1st-degree relatives diagnosed with before age 50.
- Two or more 1st- or 2nd-degree relatives with , with at least one who was diagnosed with diffuse at any age.
- Three or more 1st- or 2nd-degree relatives with regardless of age.
- one or more 1st-degree relatives wo have been diagnosed with gastric cancer and a second cancer related to (e.g., colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, small intestine, urinary tract or other cancers) at any age.
- two or more 1st- or 2nd- degree relatives who have been diagnosed with a cancer related to with at least one of the cancers diagnosed before age 50.
- three or more 1st- or 2nd- degree relatives who have been diagnosed with a cancer related to at any age.
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Source: NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, Gastric v. 1, 2026 |
Which genes are linked to ?
Mutations in the genes listed below are associated with an increased risk for . The risks vary by gene. See our section with details for each gene to learn more.
How do I get genetic testing for hereditary ?
Genetic testing is a type of blood or saliva test performed on blood, saliva or tissue. The sample is collected and sent to a genetic testing lab. A doctor or nurse with expertise in genetics or a genetic counselor can help you get genetic testing. You can read more about the process here.