Gastrointestinal cancers - your questions answered

Which are the common gastrointestinal cancers?

As a group gastrointestinal cancer are the most common cancers globally. Overall, they cause more cancers and more deaths from cancer than any other system in the body. For example, one of the GI cancers, colon cancer will affect one in every twenty individuals.

The common gastrointestinal cancers are the cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, small intestine, colon & rectum (large intestine), gall bladder, pancreas and liver. The common cancer types are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumours and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs).

What are the usual symptoms of GI-HPB cancers?

Symptoms are our body’s way of alerting us that something is wrong with us. Each of these GI cancers present with their distinctive signs and symptoms. But unfortunately, often these symptoms occur when it’s already too late.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases including cancer are difficulty in swallowing, pain abdomen, recurrent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, blood in vomitus, blood in the stool, altered bowel habits (change in frequency or consistency of stools), persistent abdominal discomfort, feeling of incomplete evacuation, weakness or fatigue, worsening indigestion or heartburn, Jaundice, clay-coloured stools, itching, recent-onset diabetes, a lump in the abdomen and/or change in voice.

Who is at risk for gastrointestinal cancer?

Risk factors are something that increases the chance of someone getting a disease. In the case of GI cancers, risk factors will increase the chance of someone getting cancer. More the number of risk factors–higher the likelihood. The presence of a risk factor does not mean that the person will always get the disease. While some people will get the disease even in the absence of risk factors.

Common risk factors for these cancers include

• Increasing age
• Family history of gastrointestinal cancer
• Smoking and alcoholism
• A diet deficient in fruits and vegetables
• Obesity

How do I reduce my risk of gastrointestinal cancers?

Several lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of getting these cancers. These include: avoid alcohol and smoking, eat plenty of green vegetables, avoid preserved or burnt meats, Keep a normal weight and exercise regularly.

Is gastrointestinal cancer curable?

Most of these cancers present in an advanced stage as people generally ignore these symptoms. If detected early, these cancers can be operated, which is the best possible treatment option. Our ability to cure cancer depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, stage of cancer, the overall health of the patient and treatment options which are available to the patient. Don’t ignore any of the warning signs.

I have gall bladder stones; will it cause cancer?

Gallstones are the most common risk factor for gallbladder cancer. Although gallstones are common, very few people with them will get gallbladder cancer. The risk of cancer is increased if a gallstone is causing pain, are large, or you have a close relative with gallbladder cancer.

Can laparoscopic surgery be done for these cancers?

The laparoscopic technique has revolutionized the field of surgery. Research has proven that it results in less surgical trauma, shorter hospital stay, lesser blood loss, lower complication rate and earlier return to work in addition to the obvious cosmetic advantages. Colorectal, oesophageal and gastric cancers are increasingly being done laparoscopically. With technical advances and the increasing expertise of surgeons, cancers of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder can also be operated with laparoscopic technique in selected cases.

What is robotic surgery for GI cancers?

Robotic surgery combines the skill and expertise of a surgeon with the vision, precision, and flexibility of robotic technology. The robotic system features a 3D high-definition camera system for clear and enhanced vision with depth perception. It comprises a surgical console, where the surgeon sits, and robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments. The surgeon controls the instruments through the console, providing precision, dexterity, and range of motion. The tiny wristed instruments can bend and rotate in ways the human hand cannot, allowing the surgeon to operate in tight spaces.

Robotic surgery has emerged as a transformative approach in the management of GI cancers. With its enhanced precision, minimally invasive nature, reduced complication rates, and equivalent oncological outcomes, robotic surgery offers patients a promising treatment option.

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