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What is stomach cancer?

Diagram of the tummy area showing the stomach on the left side of the body, next to the liver and above the belly button (navel).
  • Stomach cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in the stomach.
  • The stomach is part of the digestive system. It helps you digest food.
  • How serious stomach cancer is depends on how big the cancer is, if it has spread, and your general health.
  • Stomach cancer is not very common in the UK.

Important: Get your symptoms checked

It's important to get any symptoms of stomach cancer checked as soon as possible.

Page last reviewed: 20 August 2026
Next review due: 20 August 2029

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