Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer is a term that encompasses a group of cancers that affect the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract.  The GI cancer includes cancers of the:

• Oesophagus
• Stomach
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Biliary tract
• Small intestine
• Colon
• Rectum
• Anus

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancer vary, depending upon the type of cancer. It may include:

• Abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
• Sudden variation in bowel habits, such as consistency, frequency or shape
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Feeling bloated after  meals
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in your stomach
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Weakness or feeling tired
• Nausea/vomiting
• Yellowish eyes or skin
• Unintentional weight loss

Doctors conduct many tests to diagnose cancer and ascertain if  the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Gastrointestinal Cancer is often diagnosed using the following tests:

• Endoscopic examinations
  • Upper GI Endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
• Barium Studies
• Imaging Studies
  1. CT Scan
  2. MRI Scan
  3. PET Scan
  • Contrast Studies
• Diagnostic Laparoscopy

There are varied treatment options to remove or cure cancer within the digestive tract and nearby tissues. These may include surgical processes, therapies or a combination of both.

• There are four main types of surgical processes:
  1. Endoluminal Laser Process: This technique involves removal of an early-stage tumour found in the digestive tract.
  2. Open Surgery: The GI cancer indications are treated using the conventional techniques
  3. Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally Invasive Surgery technique is used for this surgery involving  very less operative morbidity
• Radiation therapy: Involves the use of high-energy waves to treat cancer cells and prevent local recurrence
• Chemotherapy: Involves the use of Chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer cells and prevent local recurrence
• Targeted Therapy: Targets cancer specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival
• Immunotherapy: Involves the use of medicines that prompt the body's immune system or natural defences to destroy cancer

A patient might get Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, or Targeted Therapy along with surgery or radiation. This multidisciplinary approach helps in treating the residual cancer cells, during other forms of treatment.

• Keep a healthy weight.
• If you have ulcers from an H. pylori infection, get proper treatment for the infection
• If you take aspirin daily to prevent heart problems or NSAID drugs for arthritis, then talk to your doctor for its use.
• Be physically more active, exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
• Eat healthy food and avoid too much alcohol consumption.
• Avoid the use of tobacco and stop smoking.

Some of the major factors that lead to Gastrointestinal Cancer are:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Increasing age
• Diet high in animal fat
• Diets having a high amount of salt, or contain poorly preserved foods
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Obesity
• Stomach surgery for an ulcer
• Type-A blood group
• Epstein-Barr virus infection
• Certain genes
• Working in coal, metal, timber, or rubber industries
• Exposure to asbestos