Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer overview

You are at the center of everything we do at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Here, we surround you with a team of specialists who work together closely to provide expertly targeted, complete care and compassionate support throughout your treatment and beyond.

We guide you every step of the way, combining our deep clinical expertise in stomach cancer with a commitment to meet your unique needs.

Why choose Fred Hutch?

  • Experienced stomach cancer specialists
    Fred Hutch patients receive state-of-the-art care from some of the world’s leading doctors. In fact, as a member institution of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Fred Hutch is home to doctors who help define the national standards for stomach cancer care. 
  • Comprehensive stomach cancer treatment 
    Our doctors provide the full spectrum of treatments stomach cancer may require. Based on the unique characteristics of your tumor, your team may recommend surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, all available here.
  • Stomach cancer clinical trials
    To give you access to the most innovative therapies, we unite the leading researchers and cancer specialists of Fred Hutch and UW Medicine so you can take part in stomach cancer clinical studies not available everywhere.
  • Where you’re treated first matters most
    Research has shown that the first treatment you receive for cancer is by far the most important. Patients who begin treatment at Fred Hutch often have better outcomes than those who started treatment elsewhere.
  • A national leader in cancer care
    Fred Hutch is the leading cancer treatment center in the region and among the top nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report. 
  • NCI comprehensive cancer center
    We are a comprehensive cancer center, a designation from the National Cancer Institute that reflects our scientific leadership and the depth and breadth of our research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Chemotherapy Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It may be given alone or with other treatments. Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth, injection, infusion or on the skin, depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. It may be given alone or with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy or biologic therapy. Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease. Radiation therapy The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body.

Facts

Stomach cancer has been declining in the United States for many years, possibly due in part to changes in the American diet. But the disease still affects about 26,000 people a year in this country, and rates are higher in other parts of the world. Fred Hutch offers comprehensive stomach cancer treatment from a team of experts who specialize in gastrointestinal cancers.

Treatment

Fred Hutch experts offer comprehensive care for stomach cancer, including advanced treatments and new options available only through clinical studies. A diagnosis of cancer can feel overwhelming. We have an experienced, compassionate team ready to help. 

Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease.

Providers

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

Clinical trials

Fred Hutch was formed, in part, to bring promising new treatments to patients faster. For stomach cancer patients, this means more treatment options than you might find elsewhere, including the chance to participate in one of many ongoing clinical trials conducted at Fred Hutch and UW Medicine.

Resources

There are many resources online for learning about your disease. Health educators at the Fred Hutch Patient and Family Resource Center have compiled a list of trusted sources to help you get started.

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