What are the NICE guidelines for referring a patient with suspected stomach cancer to a specialist?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Refer using a suspected cancer pathway referral for patients with an upper abdominal mass consistent with stomach cancer .

Refer people using a suspected cancer pathway referral if they have dysphagia or are aged 55 and over with weight loss, and they have any of the following: upper abdominal pain, reflux, or dyspepsia .

Consider non-urgent, direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess for stomach cancer in people with haematemesis .

Consider non-urgent, direct access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess for stomach cancer in people aged 55 or over with: treatment-resistant dyspepsia, or upper abdominal pain with low haemoglobin levels, or raised platelet count with nausea, vomiting, weight loss, reflux, dyspepsia, or upper abdominal pain .

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