ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about how many people learn they have this type of cancer each year and some general survival information. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors. To see other pages in this guide, use the colored boxes on the right side of your screen, or click “Next” at the bottom.

This year, an estimated 21,600 adults (13,230 men and 8,370 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with stomach cancer. It is estimated that 10,990 deaths (6,740 men and 4,250 women) from this disease will occur this year.

The incidence of stomach cancer varies in different parts of the world. Although stomach cancer is decreasing in Western countries, it is still one of the most common cancer types worldwide. 

The five-year survival rate (percentage of people who survive at least five years after the cancer is detected, excluding those who die from other diseases) of people with stomach cancer is about 27%. This statistic reflects the fact that most people with stomach cancer are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. If stomach cancer is found before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is generally higher but depends on the stage of the cancer found during surgery. 

Cancer survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of people with this type of cancer in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with stomach cancer. Because the survival statistics are measured in five-year intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this cancer. Learn more about understanding statistics [2]. 

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2013.

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