Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a general term for cancers that affect the digestive organs. The most common types (esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and liver cancer), make up more than a quarter of all GI cancers.⁵ These cancers occur when the cells become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, creating tumors. Each type of GI cancer is different and requires specialized treatment based on the type and how advanced it is.³

While the risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers can differ depending on the type, some lifestyle choices may help lower the risk. These include avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats and excess calories and engaging in regular physical activity.

Other risk factors are less modifiable. These include getting older, having a family history of GI cancers, and certain medical conditions (e.g. colorectal polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease).^{1 4 7}

Healthcare providers use cancer stages to understand how advanced the gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is and to create a treatment plan that fits each patient. Staging shows where the cancer is in the body and whether it has spread. GI cancers are usually classified from stage 1 (earliest) to stage 4 (most advanced). Stages are determined by the size of the tumor, how deep it has grown, whether lymph nodes are affected, and if the cancer has spread to other organs. The GI system is made up of many different organs, causing the specific prognosis and treatment options to vary depending on the type of GI cancer.⁸

To treat gastrointestinal (GI) cancers effectively, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis may involve the following tests:

• Lab tests: Checks the blood for signs that cancer may be present
• Endoscopy: Uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to look inside the digestive tract. This includes colonoscopy to check for polyps in the colon and rectum, and upper GI endoscopy to look for tumors in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine
• Imaging: Imaging for GI cancers could include an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan. These all help identify abnormal tissue across the digestive system
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.^{1 9}

The outlook for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer varies widely. It depends on the type of GI cancer, stage at diagnosis, tumor biology, a patient’s overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. Generally, cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage have a better chance of successful treatment and more options than cancers found at later stages. GI cancers can vary greatly, so two patients with the same type of cancer may have different outcomes. This makes personalized care and ongoing research especially important.^{5 7}

Researchers are continuously investigating potential new and more effective treatments. For guidance on the best treatment options for you—and to determine if you may qualify for a clinical trial—please speak with your healthcare provider.