Resources and organisations for stomach cancer

There are organisations, support groups, books, videos and other resources to help you cope with stomach cancer and treatment.

Cancer Research UK information and support

Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.

We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.

Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.

Guts UK

Guts UK produce information and leaflets on common digestive diseases and illnesses. This includes information about cancer of the bowel, food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach.

Tel: 020 7486 0341
Email: info@gutscharity.org.uk

Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA)

The OPA is formed of people who’ve had or still have oesophageal cancer. It publishes useful information about oesophageal cancer and some is relevant to stomach cancer. It also has local support groups and meetings. It offers advice, information, and support to anyone with eating difficulties after stomach or oesophageal surgery.

OPA
Unit 4
Bordesley Hall Farm Barns
Storrage Lane
Alvechurch
Birmingham
B48 7ES

Tel: 0121 704 9860 (9am to 4pm Monday to Friday)
Email: enquiries@opa.org.uk

Maggie's

Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the UK. They offer care and support to people affected by cancer. Each centre is beside an NHS cancer hospital and is run by specialist staff.

You can join a support group, take part in weekly sessions like relaxation and stress management, or learn about nutrition and health. You can also visit just to have a cup of tea and a friendly chat.

Phone: 0300 123 1801
Email: enquiries@maggies.org

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical, medical and financial support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline gives guidance on cancer and advice on benefits. It also publishes booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.

Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Contact email form

Books about cancer

M Shah, N Pinheiro and B Shah
Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2007
ISBN: 978 0763753672

This book gives answers to the most common questions about stomach cancer. It’s American and so not all the information is relevant to UK readers.

J F Kelvin and L B Tyson
Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 2010
ISBN 978-0763777609

An American book which gives both doctor’s and patient’s views on coping with the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment. It has information about treatment for pain, nausea, tiredness, and other symptoms.

A Bloch and others
American Cancer Society, 2010
ISBN 978-0944235782

An American book but most of the information is relevant to the UK. It covers issues such as preventing weight loss and coping with dehydration, fatigue, and infection. It also discusses eating problems and digestion issues, such as swallowing problems, feeling sick and dealing with mouth sores. Focuses on survivorship and how to eat well after treatment.

Dr Terry Priestman
Sheldon Press, 2009
ISBN 978-1847090805

Gives information about chemotherapy, its side effects, and how to cope with them. Also discusses the effect of chemotherapy on everyday life, including tiredness, sex life and fertility, social life, work, holidays, exercise and diet.

Dr Terry Priestman
Sheldon Press, 2007
ISBN 978-0859699990

Gives information about radiotherapy, its side effects, and how to cope with them. Also discusses the effect of radiotherapy on everyday life, including social life, work, travel, exercise and diet.

A Ko, E Rosenbaum and M Dollinger
Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2009
ISBN 9780740786310

The author and contributors of this book are all American cancer specialists. The book covers how cancer is diagnosed, treated and managed day to day.

Jane Freeman
Sheldon Press, 2012
ISBN 978-1847091413

Written by a cancer dietitian, this is a practical handbook for people with cancer. Filled with helpful tips and recipes.

Booklets and factsheets

  • A guide to life after oesophageal/gastric surgery

  • Swallowing - nutrition when it's difficult

  • Dumping syndrome and digestion problems after surgery

  • Dumping syndrome and low glycemic index food

  • Food diary

  • Nutrition and digestive issues

  • Taste nutrition diet

Videos of people's stories

Provides free, reliable information about health issues including mental health, by sharing people's real-life experiences.

Find local cancer information and support near you

There are organisations and support in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.

England

The NHS website has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.

Scotland

NHS Inform gives information about illness, treatments and NHS services for people in Scotland.

Wales

NHS 111 Wales gives health advice and information for people living in Wales.

Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) website tells you where to find cancer information and support in Northern Ireland.

Last reviewed: 
06 Oct 2022
Next review due: 
06 Oct 2025

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