Know the signs: Early diagnosis of GI cancers can save lives

Gastrointestinal cancers (also known as GI cancers) are among the most common, and often the most preventable, cancers when caught early. They can affect any part of the digestive system, and the symptoms are sometimes easy to overlook.

"Gastroenterology covers everything from the top to the bottom of the digestive tract," explains Joseph Triggs, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Gastroenterology at Main Line Health.

"And when it comes to GI cancers, it's important to notice changes in swallowing, digestion or bowel habits early."

What symptoms should you be looking for?

Here's a breakdown by cancer type and what steps you can take to protect your health.

Q: What are the signs of esophageal cancer (cancer of the esophagus, or tube that connects your mouth to your stomach)?

A: Pain when swallowing or the feeling that food gets stuck in your chest are common early signs of esophageal cancer. You might also notice food coming back up or unexpected weight loss. Chronic acid reflux could be a warning sign for a condition called Barrett's esophagus. This condition may lead to cancer if left untreated.

Q: What symptoms should I watch for with liver, pancreatic or stomach cancer?

A: These cancers can be harder to detect early, but warning signs include:

• Liver and pancreas: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. If you have a BRCA gene mutation, your risk for pancreatic cancer may be higher.
• Stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer): Feeling full after eating small amounts, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia or abdominal discomfort.

Q: What does colorectal cancer look like?

A: Colorectal cancer can show up in several ways, including:

• Bright red blood in the stool (sometimes mistaken for hemorrhoids).
• Rectal bleeding.
• Changes in bowel habits (going more or less often).
• Abdominal pain.
• Anemia or feeling tired all the time.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Difficulty emptying your bowels.

Q: How important is screening, and is colonoscopy still the best option?

A: Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Unlike other tests, it allows doctors to find and remove precancerous polyps in the rectum and colon (large intestine) during the same procedure. This stops cancer before it starts. While other screening options exist, any test is better than no test at all.

Q: When should I start getting screened for colorectal cancer?

A: Overall mortality in colorectal cancer is decreasing, but we are seeing it in younger people. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends colonoscopy every 10 years for those age 45 and older at average risk.

High-risk individuals should start at age 40 at the latest, or 10 years earlier than when your relative was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. And you should repeat screening every five years. You're at higher risk if you have either:

• One first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who was diagnosed before the age of 60 with either:
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Advanced polyps
• Two or more relatives diagnosed at any age

Expert GI care, close to home

Main Line Health has expanded its gastroenterology services with the opening of Main Line HealthCare Gastroenterology. This new employed practice offers expert care for a full range of digestive cancers and conditions.

Our board-certified specialists offer advanced expertise in both routine and highly complex conditions, including screening and surveillance for GI cancers. Whether you need a colonoscopy, liver disease management or care for inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Next steps

Learn more about Main Line HealthCare Gastroenterology or call 484.476.8390 to schedule an appointment.

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