Gastrointestinal Cancer or GI Cancer is an umbrella term used to refer to any cancer that affects the digestive system including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, anus, liver, and pancreas. These cancers are some of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. About 11% of cancer deaths occur due to GI cancers.
Most Common Types Of GI Cancers
- Colorectal Cancer: 3rd most common type of cancer
- Stomach Cancer: 5th most common type of cancer
- Liver Cancer: 6th most common type of cancer
- Esophageal Cancer: 7th most common type of cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer: 12th most common type of cancer
What Causes GI Cancers?
There is no definitive cause that can lead to development of GI cancers. But studies have found significant correlation between some factors and the risk of developing GI cancers. For example:
Genetic Predisposition: People who have a family member who has suffered from any GI cancer are at a higher risk of getting some form of GI cancer, not necessarily the same kind. Plus, genetic mutations like Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis can also put you at a higher risk.
Advanced Age: Majority of people suffering from GI cancer are above 50 years of age. Colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers are more prevalent in the elderly. This happens due to increased inflammation and weakened immunity. An accumulation of genetic mutations over a person’s lifetime also plays a role.
Medical Conditions: People suffering from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, type 2 diabetes, GERD, obesity are more likely to get affected by GI cancers.
Poor Lifestyle: Many patients with GI cancer lead a comparatively unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol abuse, a high-fat-low-fiber diet, etc.
It is worth noting that the above-mentioned risk factors do not directly or solely cause any cancer but make your body prone to such anomalies. However, GI cancers can also affect people who do not fit into any of the mentioned categories.
What Are The Symptoms Of GI Cancers?
The symptoms can vary hugely depending on the location of the cancer. However, some common ones may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent heartburn
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in stool or black stool
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Fatigue
Needless to say, these symptoms can also occur due to any non-malignant health conditions as well.
How Are GI Cancers Treated?
“When it comes to any type of cancer, you can have the best shot at treatment only if you are diagnosed early. So, before we get into the treatment segment, it is my earnest advice that people who fall into the high-risk category, get screened for GI abnormalities every 6-12 months. Even for others, a screening is required every 2-3 years,” says Dr Mustafa Razvi, a Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist & Gastro Cancer Surgeon with 15+ years of experience.
The type, location and the extent of the cancer is determined by a combination of tests including stool and blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, endoscopy, biopsy, etc. Depending on what the doctor sees, he will devise a customized treatment plan to give you the best shot at beating cancer.
The treatment can be a surgery to remove all the cancerous cells. You could also benefit from chemotherapy or radiation therapy that will kill or shrink all the malignant cells. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment where they boost the body’s immune system to naturally fight cancer. Usually, a combination of these treatments are used to give you the best outcome. The doctor often modifies and improves the treatment plan depending on how your body is responding and how the cancer is getting eliminated.
