Gastric Cancer Prevention
Can be prevented?
The most effective way to prevent is risk-reducing surgery to remove the stomach (gastrectomy). This option is typically reserved for people with a very high risk for stomach cancer and those people with too many to control with endoscopy and polyp removal.
Get notified when updated information becomes available.
SIGN UP FOR CONTENT UPDATESCan diet and lifestyle changes lower the risk for ?
Healthy habits may help lower the risk for some gastric cancers, although they cannot remove the increased risk caused by an . Some steps people can take to lower their risk include:
- quitting smoking or never startinglimiting or avoiding alcohol
- maintaining a healthy weight
- staying physically active
- limiting processed meats and foods that are salted, smoked or pickled
Can medications lower the risk for ?
The following medications have been studied for lowering the risk of gastric and other types of GI cancers.
Antibiotics to treat infections
Infection with the bacteria is a known risk for stomach cancer. Antibiotics can be used to treat . Research has shown that people with certain inherited mutations who are infected with have a higher risk for than people with the same mutations who are not infected. Expert guidelines on testing for vary by gene.
Resistant starch
Starch is a nutrient found in foods. Resistant starch is a type of starch that cannot be broken down in the small intestine. Resistant starch can be found in bananas, potatoes, grains, beans, peas, seeds and other foods. One study looked at the effects of adding resistant starch to the diet of people with . The study showed that taking 2 to 4 years of resistant starch reduced the risk of non-colorectal cancers, including .
While promising, more research needs to be done before taking resistant starch can be recommended to prevent non-colorectal gastrointestinal cancers.
Vaccine research
Vaccines are being studied in clinical trials to see if they can lower the risk for multiple cancers in people with . This research is still in the very early phases.
What is a risk-reducing gastrectomy?
Gastrectomy is surgery to remove some or all of the stomach. Gastrectomy is typically used to treat stomach cancer or other diseases of the stomach. People at very high risk for may have a risk-reducing gastrectomy in order to prevent cancer from developing.
Gastrectomy can have risks and long-term health effects, so risk-reducing surgery is usually only recommended for people with a very high risk. It's important for people considering a risk-reducing gastrectomy to speak with cancer genetics and surgical experts in order to learn as much as possible about their risk and to make an informed decision about the best option for lowering their risk.
Who should consider a risk-reducing gastrectomy?
Undergoing risk-reducing surgery is a very personal decision that is not right for everyone. The NCCN guidelines recommend that people with the mutations in the genes listed below discuss the benefits and risks of gastrectomy with their doctor, in order to make a decision that is right for them.
|
Gene/Syndrome |
Considerations |
|
(FAP or AFAP) |
Consideration of gastrectomy is recommended when:
|
|
promoter 1B (GAPPS) |
Consider gastrectomy beginning at age 30 (or younger based on abnormal results on EGD). |
|
, CTNNA1 (This only applies to certain mutations in CTNNA1. These guidelines are based on data from studying people with mutations. More research is needed to determine the best approach for managing diffuse risk in people with CTNNA1 mutations). |
People with and CTNNA1 mutations should receive their care from healthcare professionals with expertise in managing people with these mutations. Risk-reducing gastrectomy is recommended in the following circumstances:
People with or CTNNA1 mutations who do not have any of the above findings should speak with their doctor to understand all the pros and cons of surgery versus screening in order to make an informed decision that is right for them. |
|
Gastrectomy may be considered in select rare circumstances based on abnormal results on EGD. |
GI Cancer Genetics: Experts Discuss Risk, Screening, Prevention and Treatment
What are the surgical risks with gastrectomy?
Every surgery has potential risks; some are more serious than others. Some possible risks with gastrectomy include:
- leakage where the digestive tract is reconnected (anastomotic leak)
- infection inside the abdomen
- bleeding
- blood clots
- complications related to anesthesia
- rare risk of death from surgery
Recovery after surgery
Most people spend several days in the hospital after surgery. During recovery, the digestive system gradually adapts to the absence of the stomach. People usually begin with liquids and slowly progress to small meals. Recovery continues for several weeks to months after surgery.
Many people are able to return to normal daily activities, work and exercise, although it may take time to adjust to new eating habits and changes in digestion.
Long-term side effects
Because food no longer passes through a stomach, many people experience digestive symptoms, especially during the first year after surgery. These may include:
- Feeling full quickly
- Unintentional weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Reflux or bile reflux
- Abdominal cramping
- Dumping syndrome (food moving too quickly into the intestine)
- Fatigue related to nutritional deficiencies
Symptoms often improve over time as people learn which foods and meal patterns work best for them.
Nutrition after gastrectomy
People who have their stomach removed require lifelong nutritional monitoring. The stomach plays an important role in absorbing certain vitamins and minerals, so deficiencies can occur after surgery. Nutrients that may require monitoring or supplementation include:
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Folate and other vitamins or minerals
Experts recommend assembling a healthcare team who will monitor your weight, nutrition, bone health and symptoms.
Quality of life after gastrectomy
Although adjusting to life without a stomach can be challenging, most people report good long-term quality of life after risk-reducing gastrectomy.
It is important for people to discuss possible surgical risks with a surgeon to understand the seriousness and likelihood of these risks before making the decision to have risk-reducing surgery.
Can diet and lifestyle changes lower the risk for ?
Healthy habits may help lower the risk for some gastric cancers, although they cannot remove the increased risk caused by an . Some steps people can take to lower their risk include:
- quitting smoking or never startinglimiting or avoiding alcohol
- maintaining a healthy weight
- staying physically active
- limiting processed meats and foods that are salted, smoked or pickled
More Resources
Hear Stories from the Community
Visit our Partners
GI Cancers Alliance
An alliance of GI cancer organizations working together to raise awareness, provide education, and keep the patient voice central to advocacy.
Hope for Stomach Cancer
Providing resources to patients, caregivers and loved ones while promoting early detection and prevention to the general and medical communities.
No Stomach for Cancer
Supporting research and uniting the caring power of people worldwide affected by stomach cancer.