If you’ve recently been diagnosed with stomach cancer, you’re probably wondering what comes next.
At Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, we will care for you with cutting-edge medicine grounded in the latest science. Our approach is holistic. WashU Medicine physicians work alongside dieticians and other support staff. We will treat your cancer while helping you feel the best you can.
Our Siteman care coordinators – oncology-trained nurses who help with scheduling, finding the right specialist, and guidance – can help you through the process.
Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
About Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer begins in the stomach. About 30,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with stomach cancer every year.
There are three main types of cancer that happen in the stomach. The most common type is gastric adenocarcinoma. This is the type most people are referring to when they talk about “stomach cancer.”
Two other kinds of tumors also appear in the stomach. These are gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETS) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). They are treated differently from gastric adenocarcinomas.
How does stomach cancer develop?
Stomach cancer (gastric adenocarcinoma) develops when a cell in the lining of the stomach becomes abnormal. The cells start to multiply very fast. It makes more and more abnormal cells. Over time, the abnormal cells form a lump called a tumor. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms for patients.
Why Choose Siteman
Siteman Cancer Center has been a regional and national leader in cancer care for over 25 years. We are the only cancer center in the region to be recognized as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks us among the top cancer facilities in the nation.
At Siteman, we have the expertise you need and the compassionate touch you want.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new treatments for cancer. Many patients come to Siteman for our clinical trials. Patients who join clinical trials can access the newest drugs and therapies before they are officially approved by the FDA. Through clinical trials, you can receive treatments that may be more effective than the current standard of care.
Siteman Cancer Center is a leader in clinical trials. We offer many trials for stomach cancer, including trials for cutting-edge approaches such as immunotherapy. Your WashU Medicine physicians lead clinical trials. If a clinical trial could help you, they will let you know. You can always ask about a trial you’re interested in.
Holistic, Expert Care
When you come to Siteman, a team of WashU Medicine physicians will work together to make a treatment plan just for you. This team-based approach is called “multidisciplinary care.” It is the best way to treat stomach cancer. You’ll also benefit from the support of dieticians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, cancer care navigators, and pharmacists.
Your team will help you throughout your treatment and beyond.
High-risk Screening Program
Some patients are at high risk for stomach cancer because of genetic changes they’ve inherited from family members. Siteman offers a screening program to identify these patients and care for them and their families.
Minimally-invasive, Robotic Surgeries
WashU Medicine surgeons at Siteman are experts at removing stomach cancer safely. They use minimally-invasive techniques and robotic tools whenever possible to bring patients the best outcomes. We’ve also developed enhanced recovery protocols for our patients. These protocols guide them through the important period after surgery. This means our patients will heal better and faster.
A Siteman care coordinator is the fastest path to referral, consult, or second opinion. Our care coordinators – oncology nurses who help with scheduling and navigation – will guide you from your first call.
