Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer includes cancers in the digestive tract organs, such as the stomach, large and small intestines, pancreas, colon, liver, rectum, anus, and biliary system. If you experience abnormal GI symptoms or want to learn more about the disease, Dignity Health's team of specialists is here to help at all stages of gastrointestinal cancer. Find a Doctor near you to learn more about our services.
Symptoms: In early stages, GI cancer may have no symptoms and GI tumors are often not felt as they develop. As a result, GI cancers are usually identified through screenings before symptoms appear or after they have advanced to cause noticeable symptoms. When GI cancer is extensive enough to cause symptoms, they may include:
Abdominal cramping or pain
Bloody or very dark stool
Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in consistency or narrowing of the stool
Difficulty swallowing
Digestive problems
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Nausea and vomiting
Swelling in the abdomen
Tiredness, weakness, weight loss, or loss of appetite
Causes: GI tract cancers begin when the cells lining the digestive tract organs mutate, grow into tumors, and sometimes spread to lymph nodes and other organs. The exact cause of GI cancer is not fully understood, but cell damage increases the chance of abnormalities. Factors such as infections, obesity, smoking, and environmental risks contribute to this damage.
Types: GI cancer affects the digestive tract organs and includes:
Anal cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer
Esophageal cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Liver cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Small intestine cancer
Stomach cancer (gastric cancer)
Risk Factors Risk factors vary for each type of GI cancer, but lifestyle factors play a significant role in many cases. These include obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, poor diet, and heavy alcohol use. Family history may also increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Other risk factors include:
Hepatitis A or B infection (liver cancer)
H. Pylori infection (stomach cancer)
Smoking
Gastritis
Alcohol consumption
Being overweight or obese
Having a previous diagnosis of GI cancer or another cancer
Previous surgery on digestive system organs
Family history of GI cancer
Previous polyps in the colon or stomach
Prevention Early detection is crucial for preventing serious GI cancer. Screening tests can diagnose colon and rectal cancer in early, treatable stages, often before symptoms develop. Colonoscopy is a common screening tool, among others. Discuss options with your doctor to determine if and when you should start screening.
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