Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, also known as digestive system cancers, develop in the various organs of the digestive system. These cancers can affect structures such as the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, rectum, and anus.
Common Types:
- Esophageal Cancer: Occurs in the tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach (the esophagus). There are two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
- Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer): Develops in the lining of the stomach. It can be adenocarcinoma or other rare subtypes.
- Liver Cancer: Often referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this cancer originates in the liver cells. It can also involve secondary tumors from cancers elsewhere in the body.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Arises in the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and insulin. Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
- Gallbladder Cancer: Forms in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.
Risk Factors:
- Risk factors vary by type but may include family history, genetic mutations (e.g., Lynch syndrome), inflammatory conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease for colorectal cancer), lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, diet, alcohol), and infections (e.g., hepatitis B and C for liver cancer).
Symptoms:
- Symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer but may include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and difficulty swallowing.
Prevention:
- Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking.
- Screening and surveillance for individuals at increased risk due to family history or other factors.
- Vaccination against hepatitis B and HPV to reduce the risk of liver and anal cancers, respectively.
