ABDOMINAL CANCER PAIN

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Abdominal cancer, also known as stomach or gastric cancer, develops when cells in the stomach lining grow uncontrollably and spread to nearby tissue, forming a tumour that can affect surrounding organs. In Singapore, it is the 8th most common cancer in men, with around 500 new cases diagnosed each year, and stomach cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Because early-stage symptoms are often mild or absent, more than two-thirds of cases in Singapore are only detected at an advanced stage.

Abdominal Cancer Pain

What Causes Abdominal Cancer Pain?

There is no single, confirmed explanation for why stomach cells suddenly turn cancerous, but researchers have identified several risk factors linked to abdominal cancer.

Some possible risk factors include:

  • Men over the age of 55
  • Over-consumption of food with high salt content
  • Being obese or overweight
  • Previous abdominal surgery
  • Smoking or high alcohol consumption

What Are the Symptoms of Abdominal Cancer Pain?

Abdominal cancer rarely causes pain in its early stages. Pain tends to develop as the tumour grows, and in the later stages, it is often felt above the navel (belly button) or as a general sense of discomfort after eating.

How Is Abdominal Cancer Pain Diagnosed?

Abdominal cancer pain produces little to no symptoms in its early stages, which is why experienced clinical judgement is needed to diagnose it. At Singapore Paincare, our team of primary care and pain care specialists works alongside an oncologist to evaluate your condition. This includes a physical examination, questions about your symptoms, and a review of your medical history. An X-ray or CT scan may be needed to evaluate or confirm the extent of the condition.

What Treatments Are Available for Abdominal Cancer Pain?

In many instances, non-surgical treatment methods can provide good outcomes. At Singapore Paincare, we aim to treat your pain with the least invasive option possible after accurately identifying the cause. Our approach to pain resolution focuses on addressing pain generators through specialised injections and minimally invasive procedures. Combined with pharmacological treatments and cognitive and physical rehabilitative therapies, we help patients improve function and reduce the chance of pain recurring.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Abdominal Cancer Pain

Neurolysis

Neurolysis uses medications to block pain signals and interrupt further transmission from the abdomen. Our doctors also offer transcutaneous radiofrequency ablation, which treats pain by blocking painful nerve transmission.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may be given before surgery to help prevent cancer cells from dividing and spreading, or after surgery to address any remaining cancer cells. Drug combinations may include cisplatin, oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and others.

Pharmacotherapy

Medications are an integral part of cancer treatment. Pharmacotherapy and targeted therapy use a range of drugs to support the body while limiting damage to surrounding cells. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, our specialists may offer treatments such as HER2-targeted therapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is considered when chemotherapy is not effective. It is a biological therapy that helps the body’s immune system respond to cancer. The drugs used differ from chemotherapy and may cause side effects such as diarrhoea or weight changes.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays directed at the affected area to destroy cancer cells. Side effects may include skin reactions, stomach discomfort, and loose bowel movements.

Palliative Care and Dietary Management

Our specialists offer supportive care to help patients cope with the emotional, social, and financial aspects of cancer. We also provide dietary management advice, such as reducing alcohol consumption or using supplements to support digestion. Each care plan is tailored to the individual patient.

When Is Surgery Considered for Abdominal Cancer Pain?

If other methods have been exhausted, surgery may be recommended if you are a suitable candidate. As surgery carries its own risks, complications, and downtime, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is worth carefully weighing the pros and cons of non-surgical methods against surgical options before deciding.

Endoscopic Resection

Endoscopic resection is used when cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage. It does not require an incision, as an endoscope is used to access the stomach and remove the tumour or cancerous tissue.

Gastrectomy

If conservative treatments are not effective, doctors may recommend a gastrectomy, the surgical removal of the stomach. There are a few types:

  • Partial gastrectomy: removal of part of the stomach
  • Total gastrectomy: removal of the entire stomach

Gastrectomy may be performed using laparoscopic techniques, which use cameras and robotic-assisted devices.

How Can I Prevent Abdominal Cancer?

There are a few things you can do to help lower your risk of stomach cancer:

  • Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking
  • Avoid pickled and smoked foods, as well as salted meats and fish
  • Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grain foods such as whole grain bread, cereal, pasta, and rice
  • Maintain a healthy weight

A Message About Abdominal Cancer Pain From Our Pain Specialist

There are many possible causes of persistent abdominal pain. After the pain is evaluated with endoscopy or a CT scan of the abdomen, a biopsy or surgical confirmation may be needed to determine whether a growth is cancerous.

Where possible, the first line of treatment is to remove the tumour in its entirety. In cases of late-stage cancer where surgical removal is not an option, there are pain relief options that can help manage the discomfort.

Intrathecal pain relief delivers continuous, tailored analgesia through a pump connected to the spine, providing strong pain control with fewer of the side effects associated with oral morphine.

Neurolysis targets the nerves supplying the stomach using chemical medications or radiofrequency ablation. Blocking these painful nerve pathways can help interrupt pain signals from the tumour.

These pain-relief techniques may also apply to other abdominal cancers, such as those affecting the liver, pancreas, intestines, and pelvis.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Abdominal cancer pain is discomfort caused by a cancerous tumour in the stomach, also known as gastric or stomach cancer. It often develops as the tumour grows, and in later stages may be felt above the navel or as discomfort after eating.

The exact trigger for stomach cells turning cancerous is not fully understood, but risk factors include being male and over 55, a diet high in salt, obesity, previous abdominal surgery, and smoking or heavy alcohol use.

Yes. Non-surgical options such as neurolysis, chemotherapy, pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care can help manage pain and, in many cases, provide good outcomes.

Abdominal cancer typically causes little to no pain in its early stages. Pain is more likely to appear as the tumour grows, which is one reason early detection can be challenging.

Diagnosis involves a physical examination, a review of symptoms and medical history, and imaging such as an X-ray or CT scan. Our pain specialists work alongside oncologists to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.

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References

  1. Singapore Cancer Society. Stomach Cancer, citing Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2023. https://singaporecancersociety.org.sg/stomach-cancer/
  2. Oo AM. ABCs of Gastric Cancer. SMA News, December 2020, citing Singapore Cancer Registry 50th Anniversary Monograph (1969-2017) and WHO/IARC stomach cancer data. https://www.sma.org.sg/news/2020/December/abcs-of-gastric-cancer

Updated July 2026