Stomach cancer

Hi Geordiegirl99 

Thanks for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support through our Ask a Nurse platform. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line.

I’m sorry to read about your mum and the burning peppery sensation she’s been having. It’s understandable that this will be putting her off eating.

Without knowing a little more, it would be difficult to say what it is that causing this. We would encourage your mum to let her GP know so they can carry out a full assessment and discuss what might help. If she is still under the care of a hospital team it might be worth speaking to them too.

If she hasn’t seen a dentist recently it may also be an idea to arrange this, just in case it’s a dental issue.

Some people do complain of a burning sensation sometimes caused by reflux also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD for short. This where acid escapes from the stomach and causes irritation to the lining of the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation. We can’t say this is what your mum has, but it may be helpful to have this ruled in or out as a possible cause.

In the meantime, whilst she is waiting to be assessed it might help to try some self-care measures

• eat smaller and more frequent meals, rather than 3 large meals a day – don’t eat or drink alcohol within 3 or 4 hours before going to bed and avoid having your largest meal of the day in the evening.
• avoid anything you think triggers your symptoms – common triggers include coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, alcohol, and fatty or spicy food.
• don’t wear tight clothing – clothes that are tight around your tummy may make your symptoms worse.
• raise the head of your bed by up to 20cm (8 inches) – placing a piece of wood or blocks underneath one end of your bed may reduce symptoms at night; don’t just use extra pillows, as this can put a strain on your tummy.
• try to relax – stress can make heartburn and GORD worse, so learning relaxation techniques may help if you’re often feeling stressed

 Many people we speak with can be affected by a loss of appetite and to help we have produced this guide to help.

I hope your mum is seen soon and that she is given something to help relieve her symptoms and help with her appetite.

Take care,

Linda, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref: LM/AW