Does chemotherapy treat stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is treated according to its location, stage, biopsy findings and overall health. Chemotherapy may be given before an operation to reduce the tumour, after an operation to treat possible remaining cancer cells, or as a main treatment when surgery is not suitable. It can be combined with radiotherapy, immunotherapy or another medicine when the cancer's features make that useful. Treatment may also focus on easing symptoms such as blockage, bleeding, pain or difficulty eating.

Ask your cancer team what the scans and biopsy show and what the proposed treatment is meant to do. Discuss how medicines will be given, how eating and hydration will be supported, and which side effects need a same-day call. Report all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners. A dietitian or nurse can help with small meals, nausea management and maintaining strength during treatment.

Seek urgent guidance for fever, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, fainting or new breathing difficulty. Contact the treatment team early if swallowing or eating becomes harder, because dehydration and poor nutrition can develop quickly. Follow the specific emergency number provided by your oncology service.

Is chemotherapy planned before or after surgery? What other medicines might be combined with it? How will treatment affect eating and digestion? What symptoms mean I should call immediately? What will happen if the first plan needs to change?