Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are cancers that develop in the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, anus, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Common Types
Oesophageal cancer
Stomach (gastric) cancer
Colorectal cancer
Small intestine cancer
Liver cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Gallbladder and bile duct cancers
Anal cancer
Common Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the organ affected, but may include:
Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
Difficulty swallowing
Changes in bowel habits
Blood in the stool or black stools
Persistent indigestion or bloating
Nausea or vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Jaundice
Persistent fatigue
Risk Factors
Risk factors may include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy diet, certain infections, family history, inherited genetic conditions, and chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Diagnosis
Depending on the suspected cancer, evaluation may involve:
Blood tests
Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans
Endoscopy or colonoscopy
Biopsy
Specialized tests to determine the cancer type and stage
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type, location, stage, and overall health of the patient. It may include:
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
A combination of treatments
Early Detection Matters
Persistent digestive symptoms should not be ignored. Early evaluation and diagnosis can help identify gastrointestinal cancers at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective.
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