Prevention, screening and early detection of gastrointestinal cancers

Cancer is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Gastrointestinal cancers affect the digestive tract and include the oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectal, pancreatic, gallbladder, bile duct, liver, and periampullary cancers. Overall, GI cancers cause more cancers and more deaths from cancer than any other cancer worldwide. Globally, GI cancers are responsible for one-fourth of all cancer incidence and one-third of cancer-related mortality. The incidence of GI cancers is increasing in India and is related to population growth, ageing and westernisation of lifestyle and dietary habits. Despite advances in treatment, survival rates for many of these cancers remain low. Therefore, it is important to focus on prevention, effective screening programs and early diagnosis.

Prevention of GI cancers starts with adopting a healthy lifestyle. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in processed foods, red and processed meat, and added sugars, is recommended. Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are also key factors in reducing the risk of developing GI cancers. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight also help to lower the risk of these cancers.

Screening tests help us in detecting early cancers in apparently healthy individuals. In this, we do tests on individuals at high risk of getting particular cancer. Screening is an essential tool for detecting GI cancers at an early stage when they are more treatable. Colon, rectal and stomach cancers can be screened using stool tests, colonoscopy, and upper endoscopy. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk begin regular colon cancer screening at age 45, or earlier if there is a family history of the disease.

Early diagnosis of GI cancers is critical for the best possible outcome. Symptoms are our body's way of alerting us that something is wrong.

There are a variety of warning signs that individuals should know, including difficulty swallowing, persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, recurrent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, blood in vomit or stool, altered bowel habits, narrow stools, weakness or fatigue, the feeling of incomplete evacuation, worsening indigestion or heartburn, jaundice, recent-onset diabetes, a lump in the abdomen, low haemoglobin (anaemia), and a change in voice.

In the early stages of a disease, symptoms may not occur or may be mild and easily ignored. Many of these symptoms are also common in mild to moderate digestive diseases, making it more likely that a minor disease is causing the symptoms rather than a serious illness like cancer. However, if symptoms occur regularly, worsen, and don't go away, it is important to seek medical attention.

GI cancers can be treated with a variety of methods, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. The choice of treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual patient's health status. Sometimes, a combination of treatments may be used. Surgery is often the first line of treatment for many GI cancers, but radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy may also be used before or after surgery.

In conclusion, prevention, screening and early diagnosis of GI cancers are crucial for improving survival rates and outcomes. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms, and taking advantage of screening tests, individuals can reduce their risk of developing these cancers and improve their chances of successful treatment.

Let's work together to create awareness and promote the prevention and early detection of GI cancers.