What is Stomach Cancer?
Also Known As:
- Gastric cancer
- Gastric carcinoma
- Gastric adenocarcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma of the stomach
- Carcinoma of the stomach
Why is RareCan interested in stomach cancer?
RareCan is working to accelerate research into stomach cancer by making it easier for researchers to connect with people who have this rare form of cancer. You can help us do this by becoming a RareCan member and sharing information with us about your cancer diagnosis. We will then get in touch with you about any research opportunities that might be suitable for you.
We are particularly interested in people with adenocarcinomas of the stomach and oesophagus, including the (gastroesophageal junction), and especiall those with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Looking for a different cancer type?
Please visit our ‘Rare Cancer List’ to search for your cancer type
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer is a cancer that occurs anywhere in the stomach. The most common types of stomach cancer in the UK are adenocarcinomas, which are cancers that develop in gland cells.
Rarer stomach related cancers include, neuroendocrine tumours, squamous cell cancers and GISTs.
How rare is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer is very rare in the UK. Around 7,000 people were diagnosed in 2011.
Who does stomach cancer affect?
Stomach cancer is more common men and in people over the age of 50.
Useful Links:
If you have oesophageal cancer and are looking for support, we recommend the following websites:

Heartburn Cancer UK
A charity that raises awareness of the dangers of persistent heartburn, GORD and Barret’t’s oesphagus.

Guts UK
A charity that provides expert information and funds research into the digestive system, including the stomach.
Opportunities for Members with Stomach Cancer

The RareCan BioResource
Donating your samples for medical research
Joining RareCan gives you the ability to donate your tissue samples to the BioResource for medical research. Please note that signing up to RareCan does not commit you to donating tissue and you can cancel your membership at any time. If you have stomach cancer and would like to find out more, please click the button below.
I have a cancer diagnosis
If you have a cancer diagnosis or you are the parent of a child with a cancer diagnosis, please start here.
I'm a supporter
If you’re a friend or family member of someone with cancer, a nurse, an oncologist, an activist, a fundraiser or you’d simply like to help, please start here.
I'm a researcher
If you are interested in setting up a research project or clinical trial aimed at improving the care people affected by rare cancer receive please start here.