Screening for stomach cancer

There is no national screening programme for stomach cancer in the UK. But you may have tests or treatment if you are at an increased risk of developing it.

What is cancer screening?

Screening means testing people for early stages of a disease. This is before they have any symptoms. For screening to be useful the tests:

• need to be reliable at picking up cancers
• overall must do more good than harm to people taking part
• must be something that people are willing to do

Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks. The screening programme should also be good value for money for the NHS.

Why isn’t there a screening programme for stomach cancer?

There is no national screening programme for stomach cancer in the UK.  This is because:

• this type of cancer is relatively uncommon, so many people would have unnecessary tests
• the benefits don’t outweigh the costs

There is screening in some parts of Asia and in Eastern Europe, where stomach cancer is much more common. They screen using a test which looks inside your stomach (gastroscopy). Researchers are also looking at other ways of screening.

People at higher risk of stomach cancer

There are some rare conditions that can increase your risk of getting stomach cancer. These include:

• hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC)
• familial intestinal gastric cancer (FIGC)
• conditions where family members have an increased risk of developing polyps  in their stomach. For example, a condition called gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS)

People are usually diagnosed with one of these conditions following assessment at a genetics clinic. A specialist will explain what the risk is and discuss the next steps if needed. Depending on the condition and assessment, this might include:

• testing and treatment for a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori 
• testing for inherited faulty genes such as CDH1 or APC
• regular tests to look inside the stomach (gastroscopy)
• an operation to remove the stomach

What to do if you think you're at risk

Speak to your GP if you are concerned about your family history of stomach cancer. Examples of a strong family history might include:

• many close family members diagnosed with stomach cancer and other cancers, such as bowel or breast cancer
• close family members diagnosed with stomach cancer at a young age, for example under under the age of 40

Your GP will ask questions about family members who have cancer and the age of diagnosis. And they might ask about medical conditions that you or your relatives have. It might help to have this all written down.

Your GP may be able to reassure you that your risk of stomach cancer is not increased. Or they may refer you to a family cancer clinic or genetic clinic for advice.