Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, and rectum. These cancers often develop from abnormal cell growth within the lining of the GI tract and can progress silently, making early detection crucial.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite or persistent nausea
- Fatigue and weakness
Risk Factors
- Increasing age
- Family history of GI cancers
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Obesity and poor diet (high-fat, low-fiber foods)
- Chronic infections (H. pylori, hepatitis B/C)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
Diagnosis
GI cancers are diagnosed through endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET), blood tests, and biopsy.
Treatment Options
- Surgery to remove tumors
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Supportive and palliative care
