Be informed.
Be empowered.

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, can occur in any part of the stomach. There are different types of stomach cancer but the most common type (adenocarcinoma) begins in the inner lining of the stomach.

Today, options for treating stomach cancer, including radiation therapy, continue to advance. Throughout your cancer journey—from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship—your medical care team is with you every step of the way.

Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide.

In the U.S., most cases of stomach cancer occur where the stomach meets the esophagus (known as the gastroesophageal junction). In other countries, where stomach cancer is more common, cancer usually forms in the main part of the stomach.

Stomach cancer primarily affects older people.

Stomach cancer

Your treatment plan

There are different treatment options for stomach cancer. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including the type, location, and size of the tumor as well as your age and general health.

Many patients are treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Stomach cancer

Radiation therapy treatment techniques

There are different types of radiation therapy—sometimes called radiotherapy or “RT”—for stomach cancer, including:

Stomach cancer

Possible side effects

Side effects are cumulative, which means they can develop over several weeks or months as the body responds to radiation. You can ask your radiation oncologist what you might expect from your specific treatment. Every patient’s treatment is different, but these are some common side effects of stomach cancer radiation therapy:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin reaction
  • Urinary and bladder problems
Stomach cancer

Your EBRT treatment journey

When it comes to preparing for your stomach cancer treatment, knowledge is power. That includes knowing what to expect during your treatment journey so you can move forward one informed and empowered step at a time. Here is a brief outline of what you can expect during external beam radiation treatment. The details of some steps may differ, depending on your particular case.

Step 1: Consultation

First, you'll meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss what type of radiation treatment options are recommended for your specific case, and make a decision together about your treatment.

Step 2: Simulation

part of your treatment planning, the exact area of the tumor must first be determined. This is usually done using a CT scan, short for computed tomography, providing a detailed 3-D image of the treatment area using x-rays. Sometimes temporary skin marks or even tiny tattoos (about the size of a freckle) are made on your body to help the radiation therapist position you correctly each day for treatment.

Step 3: Treatment planning

After simulation is complete, your treatment team will develop your personalized treatment plan, taking into account the location and type of cancer you have, your medical history, lab tests, and other factors—all to determine your best course of treatment. Typical treatment with radiation therapy will require you to come for treatment five days a week.

Step 4: Positioning for treatment

On your treatment days, your radiation therapist will position you on the radiation machine’s treatment couch with the help of a laser for alignment.

Step 5: Start of treatment

The radiation is delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator, or linac. Some linacs have a visible gantry which will move around you, and some have an enclosed gantry, which you will not see, to deliver the radiation. You won’t see, hear, feel or smell the beam, in most cases. Treatment sessions usually take approximately 15 minutes. Your first treatment session may be a little longer.

Step 6: Post-treatment and follow-up care

Every patient is different, but most patients can continue daily activities during treatment, despite side effects such as fatigue. After your final treatment, your radiation oncologist will schedule periodic follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and the results of your treatment.

Stomach cancer

Helpful resources for stomach cancer

Questions to ask

Some important things you may want to find out from your doctor before undergoing treatment for stomach cancer.

Learn More