Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the most common treatment types for cancer and may be used alone or in combination to treat stomach cancer. Your doctor will plan your treatment by taking into consideration the type and size of the tumour, whether the cancer has spread, your age and general health. 

Surgery

The most appropriate type of surgery depends on the size of the cancer and whether or not it has spread. The doctor will decide whether to remove a portion of, or the entire stomach depending on the cancer stage and the condition of the patient. In addition to removing the tumour, tissues and lymph nodes in the area might also be removed.

If you want to know more about cancer surgery, visit our treatment information here.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells which work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. The drugs are sometimes given orally or more usually intravenously (injection into a vein). Doctors may advise having chemotherapy and radiotherapy together before or after surgery to minimise the chances of cancer returning. It is also used when cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.

If you want to know more about chemotherapy, visit our treatment information here.

Radiotherapy 

Radiotherapy may be used, together with chemotherapy, after surgery to prevent recurrence of cancer.

If you want to know more about radiotherapy, visit our treatment information here.

Side Effects

Cancer treatments can cause a range of side effects. For more information on common side effects and tips on how to manage cope, please click here.