Gastrointestinal cancers: Early detection saves lives
Dr Janakirama SJ
Cancer remains a major global health challenge, but World Cancer Day serves as a reminder that many cancers can be prevented, detected early, and successfully treated. Among these, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer-related illness and death in India. Increasing awareness and timely medical care can dramatically change outcomes.
Gastrointestinal cancers include cancers of the food pipe, stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, small intestine, and colon. Unfortunately, many patients seek medical attention only when the disease has reached an advanced stage. This delay is often due to lack of awareness, fear, or ignoring early warning signs.
Several lifestyle and medical factors increase the risk of GI cancers. Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy dietary habits, chronic acidity, liver disease, hepatitis B and C infections, and family history of cancer all play an important role. With changing lifestyles, these cancers are now increasingly seen in younger individuals as well.
Early symptoms of gastrointestinal cancers are often subtle and may be mistaken for common digestive problems. Persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing, blood in stools, long-standing indigestion, or yellow discoloration of eyes and skin should never be ignored. Any symptom lasting more than a few weeks deserves medical evaluation.
Early detection is the most powerful weapon against cancer. Screening investigations such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound, CT scans, and blood tests can detect cancers at an early and curable stage. Colon cancer, when detected early, has a cure rate of more than 90 percent, highlighting the importance of regular screening in high-risk individuals.
Surgery, a cornerstone
Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for most gastrointestinal cancers. Advances in surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, have transformed cancer care. These modern approaches allow smaller incisions, reduced pain, quicker recovery, and better quality of life for patients. When combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, surgery offers many patients long-term survival and cure.
Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing cancer burden. Quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, staying physically active, and receiving hepatitis B vaccination can significantly lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. Regular health check-ups and screening tests are especially important for individuals with risk factors.
On this World Cancer Day, it is important to move beyond fear and stigma associated with cancer. Cancer is not always a death sentence. Awareness, early diagnosis, and timely treatment save lives. Listening to one’s body and seeking medical advice early can make the difference between cure and advanced disease.
Together, through education, prevention, and timely intervention, we can reduce the impact of gastrointestinal cancers and offer hope to countless patients and families.
Dr. Janakirama. SJ, is Consultant Surgical Gastroenterology & GI Oncology, Advanced Laparoscopic,
HPB Surgery & Bariatric Surgery, at KIMS Hospitals, Kurnool
