Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer affects the digestive system and includes cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, esophagus, pancreas, and liver. Early detection saves lives—if you notice persistent digestive symptoms, consult a gastroenterologist immediately for proper evaluation and timely intervention.
What is GI Cancer?
GI cancer is an umbrella term for malignancies developing anywhere in the digestive tract. In India, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer (colon and rectum), and esophageal cancer are among the most common types. These cancers often develop slowly, making early detection through screening crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
The digestive system processes nutrients and eliminates waste from our bodies. When abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in any part of this system, they form tumors that can interfere with normal digestive function and potentially spread to other organs if left untreated.
Recognizing Early Signs and Symptoms
Early-stage GI cancers often present minimal or no symptoms, which is why regular screening is vital. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
| Symptom Category | Warning Signs |
| Digestive Changes | Persistent indigestion, bloating after meals, difficulty swallowing, heartburn |
| Stomach Symptoms | Persistent stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, feeling full after small meals |
| Bowel Changes | Blood in stool (red or black/tarry), persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained diarrhea or constipation |
| General Symptoms | Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, persistent fatigue, anemia |
| Advanced Signs | Yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice), abdominal swelling, severe abdominal pain |
Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. However, if you experience any of these warning signs persistently for more than two weeks, it’s essential to consult your doctor promptly. Ignoring symptoms can delay diagnosis and reduce treatment effectiveness.
Screening and Early Detection Saves Lives
Screening tests detect cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective. For colorectal cancer, screening can even prevent cancer by finding and removing precancerous polyps.
Who Should Get Screened?
- Adults aged 45-50 years and above (depending on risk factors)
- People with a family history of GI cancers
- Those with hereditary cancer syndromes (Lynch syndrome, FAP)
- Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease
- Anyone experiencing persistent GI symptoms
Common Screening Tests
Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. This procedure allows doctors to examine the entire colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. During the procedure, doctors can remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Upper Endoscopy is used to screen high-risk individuals for stomach and esophageal cancer. This test examines the upper digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine.
Stool-based tests like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) can detect hidden blood in stool, which may indicate polyps or cancer. These tests are non-invasive but may need to be repeated annually.
For stomach cancer, India doesn’t have routine screening programs for the general population. However, if you have risk factors such as family history, H. pylori infection, or hereditary conditions, your doctor may recommend screening with upper endoscopy.
Regular screening significantly reduces deaths from colorectal cancer by detecting it early or preventing it altogether. Talk to your gastroenterologist about when you should begin screening based on your individual risk factors.
Diagnosis: What to Expect
When GI cancer is suspected, your doctor will conduct several tests:
- Endoscopy/Colonoscopy: Visual examination of the digestive tract with biopsy collection
- Imaging Studies: CT scans, MRI, PET scans to determine cancer spread
- Blood Tests: To assess overall health and organ function
- Biopsy Analysis: Laboratory testing of tissue samples to confirm cancer type
These tests help determine the cancer’s stage—from Stage 0 (earliest) to Stage 4 (advanced/spread to other organs). Staging guides treatment decisions and helps predict outcomes.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Treatment for GI cancer depends on the type, stage, location, and your overall health. A multidisciplinary team typically designs your personalized treatment plan.
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove the cancer completely. Options include:
- Endoscopic removal for very early-stage cancers limited to the inner lining
- Partial resection removing the affected portion of the organ plus surrounding tissue
- Total removal of the affected organ (stomach, colon segment) when necessary
- Lymph node removal to check for cancer spread
For small, early-stage cancers confined to the digestive tract lining, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures may achieve cure without major surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be given:
- Before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors for easier removal
- After surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate remaining cancer cells
- As primary treatment for advanced cancer to control symptoms and prolong life
- Combined with radiation for enhanced effectiveness
Newer approaches like HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy) deliver heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen after surgery for certain advanced cancers.
Radiation Therapy
High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) to shrink tumors before surgery or eliminate remaining cancer cells afterward.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
These advanced treatments work differently than traditional chemotherapy:
- Targeted therapy attacks specific proteins or genetic changes in cancer cells
- Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and fight cancer cells
These options are typically used for advanced cancers or when cancer returns after initial treatment. Your cancer cells will be tested to determine if these therapies are appropriate for you.
Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms and side effects. It can be provided alongside curative treatments and helps you and your family cope with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Early action improves outcomes significantly. Here’s what you should do:
- Schedule a consultation with a gastroenterologist or cancer specialist to discuss your symptoms and risk factors
- Consider screening if you’re over 45 or have a family history of GI cancers—prevention and early detection save lives
- Get a second opinion if diagnosed—specialized cancer centers offer comprehensive multidisciplinary care
Ready to Take Control of Your Digestive Health?
At LGI Hospital, our experienced team of gastroenterologists and cancer specialists provides comprehensive GI cancer care, from screening to advanced treatment. We combine the latest medical technology with compassionate, personalized care.
Learn more about our comprehensive GI cancer services – Our multidisciplinary team specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of gastrointestinal cancers with advanced treatment protocols.
Schedule your screening colonoscopy today – Early detection through screening can prevent colorectal cancer or catch it at its most treatable stage. Don’t wait for symptoms.Book an appointment with our specialists – Take the first step toward diagnosis, treatment, or a second opinion. Our caring team is here to guide you through every step of your journey.