Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctors the following questions about stomach cancer:

1. Do I have any of the risk factors associated with stomach cancer?
   
   
2. What tests will be used to determine if I have stomach cancer?
   
   
3. What type of cancer do I have?
   
   
4. What is the stage of my cancer?
   
   
5. Am I a candidate for surgery? If so, which procedure?
   
   
6. If I have a total gastrectomy, how will it affect my diet and eating?
   
   
7. Will I be able to maintain adequate nutrition following my surgery?
   
   
8. What are my other treatment options?
   
   
9. What are the risks associated with the treatments?
   
   
10. What is the prognosis with my type and stage of cancer?
    
    
11. Can I make any lifestyle changes to reduce my risk of stomach cancer?
    
    
12. What are the odds of other family members developing stomach cancer if I have the disease?
    
    
13. Are there any genetic tests that can help predict the risk of stomach cancer?
    
    
14. Can you refer me to a support group for my cancer?