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In the modern era, there has been a rise in cases of gastrointestinal cancer due to wrong lifestyle choices, be it processed food or inactivity. Digestive cancers or gastrointestinal cancers are more common in men and the risk may increase with age. Gastrointestinal cancers include tumors of the colon, rectum, stomach, pancreas, esophagus, anus, gall bladder, liver and bile duct. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, increasing age, viral and bacterial infections, chronic pancreatitis and obesity are some of the major causes of digestive cancers. (Also read: Should you drink water before, during or after meals? How it affects your digestion)
People with gastrointestinal cancer may experience bowel and urinary incontinence, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, obesity, physical inactivity, a diet rich in processed or red meat, alcohol consumption, and long-term smoking.
In the case of colorectal cancer, which is the second most common disease in the US, in addition to genetic factors, environmental risk factors also play a role. Rectal cancer may be associated with sexually transmitted infections, chronic inflammation, and cigarette smoking.
“Digestive cancer comprises a wide range of malignant diseases that affect various organs of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, colon, and rectum. These cancers pose serious health challenges globally. Understanding the different types of digestive cancer and adopting preventive strategies are important steps in combating these diseases. Symptoms of digestive cancer vary depending on the specific type, but may include persistent indigestion, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss, among others,” says Dr. Rajat Bajaj, Director – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Noida.
Types of digestive cancer
On the occasion of World Digestive Health Day, here’s everything you need to know about the main types of digestive cancer.
1. Esophageal cancer
“The food pipe is where esophageal cancer develops. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are the two main known types. Squamous cell carcinoma usually arises in the upper and middle part of the esophagus, while adenocarcinoma often occurs in the lower part near the stomach,” says Dr. Bajaj.
Dr. Pooja Babbar, Consultant, Medical Oncology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram says, “Oesophageal and gastric cancer are cancers of your food pipe and stomach. There are some environmental risk factors like H. pylori is a bacterial infection that causes gastric cancer. Another thing is about environmental factors in diet. Ecological studies have suggested a strong association between the risk of gastric cancer with high salt intake and traditional salt-preserved diet.”
2. Stomach cancer
Also known as gastric cancer, it affects the lining of the stomach. Risk factors include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, high intake of salty, smoked or pickled foods, and smoking, says Dr Bajaj.
3. Pancreatic cancer
This cancer is usually diagnosed at a very advanced stage, making it challenging to treat. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and family history.
Dr. Babbar says, “Pancreatic cancer is a very deadly cancer. Diabetes, glucose, metabolism, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are some of its risk factors. There is a strong link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. It has been seen that patients with long-term diabetes eventually develop pancreatic cancer or vice versa. Again, about 90% of digestive system cancers are related to environmental risk factors, so by modifying the environmental factor we can reduce the risk.”
4. Liver cancer
“Liver cancer can originate in the liver itself (primary liver cancer) or it can spread from other parts of the body (metastatic liver cancer). Long-term infection with the hepatitis B or C virus, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to certain chemicals are among the risk factors,” says Bajaj.
Dr. Babbar says, “Liver and bile duct cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. It is often caused by viral hepatitis infection, mainly hepatitis B which progresses to cirrhosis and eventually cancer. So we have hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections, which do not heal and lead to a high risk of HCC. Other risk factors include betel nut chewing, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Hepatitis B vaccine can help in prevention.”
5. Colorectal cancer
It is the third most common cancer worldwide. It usually begins as a small growth, called a polyp, which turns cancerous over time. Risk factors include age, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, etc., says Dr Bajaj.
“Colon cancer has now become the third most common cancer in men, and the number of cases is rising worldwide. Patients with a family history of colon cancer or hereditary colorectal syndromes or certain syndromes such as adenomatous polyposis syndrome (FAP), MAP or Lynch syndrome are at a higher risk of colon cancer. These family members inherit faulty genes that mutate to cause cancer. For patients with a positive family history of cancer, early colonoscopy, annual screening tests, genetic counselling and testing for certain genetic mutations can help in early diagnosis. Advanced screening can be done for individuals with a positive family history of hereditary colorectal syndromes or sporadic colorectal cancer,” says Dr. Babbar.
Prevention Strategies
When it comes to developing digestive system cancers, modern lifestyles can pose a huge risk. Dr Bajaj shares preventive tips to avoid these cancers:
• Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in fiber and lean protein may help reduce the risk of digestive cancers. Limiting processed and red meat intake is also recommended, as well as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for a variety of cancers, including those that affect the digestive system. Quitting smoking can substantially reduce the risk of developing these cancers.
• Be active150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of several types of cancer.
• Screening and early identification: Routine screenings, such as colonoscopy for colorectal cancer and endoscopy for esophageal and stomach cancers, can detect precancerous conditions or cancers at an early stage, when treatments are most effective.
• vaccination: Vaccines against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) can prevent infections that increase the risk of liver and certain types of esophageal cancer, respectively. You can discuss vaccination options with your doctor.
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