Gastrointestinal Cancer

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.