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Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer is a group of cancers affecting the digestive system. It can develop in different organs, such as the stomach, colon, rectum, oesophagus, liver, and pancreas. GI cancer occurs when cells in any part of the digestive tract grow abnormally and form a tumour. The digestive system plays a vital role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and getting rid of waste, so cancer in these organs can seriously affect body functions.

Signs & Symptoms

 Early signs of GI cancer can be subtle, but they often worsen as the tumor grows. Here are common symptoms:

  • Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: A constant, dull, or sharp pain in the abdomen.
  • Bloating: Persistent bloating or a feeling of fullness after a small meal.
  • Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool color and size.
  • Blood in Stool or Vomit: Visible blood in stool or vomit, indicating internal bleeding.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Frequent nausea or vomiting, especially after meals. 
  • Loss of Appetite: A sudden aversion to food or a reduced desire to eat.
Causes

 While the exact causes can vary, GI cancer typically results from genetic mutations or lifestyle factors that damage the cells in the GI tract. Potential causes include:

  • Genetic Factors: A family history of GI cancer can increase risk.
  • Diet: High-fat, low-fiber diets and frequent processed or red meat consumption.
  • Infections: Certain infections, such as Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, can increase cancer risk.
  • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, may trigger mutations.
  • Toxins: Alcohol and tobacco are common risk factors for GI cancers.
When to seek medical attention?

 Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment, so seeking medical attention is critical if any symptoms persist, such as:

  • Persistent abdominal pain or bloating.
  • Blood in stool or vomit.
  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
  • Significant changes in bowel habits.
Diagnostics & Tests

 If GI cancer is suspected, doctors may recommend several tests, including:

  • Endoscopy: A camera tube examines the inside of the GI tract.
  • Biopsy: Tissue samples are collected for lab analysis to confirm cancer.
  • Imaging Scans: CT, MRI, or PET scans visualize tumors and evaluate spread.
  • Blood Tests: Look for tumor markers and assess liver function.
  • Colonoscopy: Specifically for colon cancer, a camera is inserted to view the colon.
Do’s & Don’ts

 Do's:

  • Eat a balanced, high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Stay hydrated and exercise regularly (as advised by your doctor).
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
  • Follow up regularly with your healthcare provider.

 Don'ts:

  • Don't ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical help.
  • Avoid high-fat, highly processed, or red meat-heavy diets.
  • Don't skip medications or treatment sessions.
  • Avoid self-medicating or experimenting with alternative treatments without consulting your doctor.

Disclaimer:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

  1. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/gastrointestinal-cancers
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352438
  3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/if-you-have-stomach-cancer.html
  4. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/gastrointestinal-cancers

Frequently Asked Questions For Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer

While it can't be prevented entirely, lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol can reduce risk.

While traditional treatments are most effective, some may use complementary therapies (like meditation and acupuncture) for symptom relief. Always consult your doctor before trying alternatives.

Survival rates vary based on cancer type, location, and stage but improve with early diagnosis and treatment.

Through a combination of endoscopy, imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies, doctors can diagnose and determine the stage of cancer.

Some types are hereditary, such as certain colon cancers so a family history may elevate risk.

Best Hospitals in Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer

Explore All Hospitals in Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi – JCI-accredited multispecialty hospital offering world-class healthcare with cutting-edge infrastructure.
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Press Enclave Road, Saket, New Delhi

BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi – State-of-the-art medical facility
BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital

Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place New Delhi, 110005 India

Accord Superspeciality Hospital, a leading healthcare facility in Faridabad, offering advanced treatments with modern infrastructure.
Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Budena Village, Sector 86, Faridabad, Haryana 121002, India

High-tech medical equipment at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, ensuring accurate diagnostics and advanced treatment solutions.
Artemis Hospital

Artemis Hospitals Sector 51, Gurugram 122001 Haryana, India

SHALBY Sanar International Hospital, Gurugram – trusted healthcare destination for global patients via VivaVel.com
SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram

Golf Course Rd, Parsvnath Exotica, DLF Phase 5, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana Gurgaon, 122022 India

PARAS Health, Gurugram – top multispecialty hospital for international patients via VivaVel.com
PARAS Health, Gurugram

C-1, Sushant Lok- 1, Sector-43, Phase- I, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002

Top Doctors in Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer

Explore All Doctors in Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer
Ram Chandra Soni
  • Dr. Ram Chandra Soni
  • Chairman
  • Gastroenterology & Hepatology
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Accord Superspeciality Hospital

Dr. Ram Chandra Soni is one of the leading Gastroenterologists in Faridabad, India. He has vast experience in Advanced Interventional Endoscopy and Gastroenterology. ...

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Pradeepta K Sethy
  • Dr. Pradeepta K Sethy
  • Director Of Gastroenterology Department,...
  • Medical Gastroenterologist
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Manipal Hospital (E.M. Bypass), Kolkata

Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Sethy is a highly experienced gastroenterologist with over 23 years in the field, currently serving as the Director of the Gastroenterology Department at ...

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Nidhi Rawal
  • Dr. Nidhi Rawal
  • Consultant
  • Pediatric Gastroenterologist
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital

Dr. Nidhi Rawal is a highly regarded Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist based in New Delhi. She has 11 years of experience in her field. She specia...

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Vivek Vij
  • Dr. Vivek Vij
  • Chairman
  • Gastroenterology And Hepatobiliary Scien...
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Dr. Vivek Vij is an accomplished liver transplant surgeon credited with developing living donor surgery and implementing safety protocols to achieve a 100% donor safety profi...

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Subrat Kumar Acharya
  • Dr. Subrat Kumar Acharya
  • Executive Director, Gastroenterology
  • Gastroenterology And Hepatobiliary Scien...
  • 42 Years Experience
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Dr. Subrat Kumar Acharya is the Executive Director of Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Sciences at Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi. He is a renowned Gastroe...

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Pankaj Puri
  • Dr. Pankaj Puri
  • Director Gastroenterology
  • Gastroenterology And Hepatology
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Dr (Brig) Pankaj Puri is the Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Diseases Institute, Okhla, New Delhi. He completed ...

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