Cancers of the digestive system affect key organs involved in digestion and nutrient absorption. These cancers originate in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or nearby organs like the gallbladder and pancreas. Early detection can significantly improve survival outcomes, but in many cases, symptoms develop only in advanced stages.
Oesophageal Cancer (Ca Oesophagus)
Affects the oesophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach
Stomach Cancer (Ca Stomach)
Also known as gastric cancer, originating from the stomach lining.
Colon Cancer (Ca Colon)
Develops in the colon, the initial part of the large intestine.
Rectal Cancer (Ca Rectum)
Forms in the rectum, the lower part of the large intestine before the anus.
Gallbladder Cancer (Ca Gallbladder)
Begins in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile.
Pancreatic Cancer (Ca Pancreas)
Originates in the pancreas, an organ involved in digestion and hormone production.
Digestive cancers require a customized approach depending on the cancer type, stage, and patient's condition. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care.
Surgery aims to remove the tumour and any affected surrounding tissues, often the first line of treatment if the cancer is localized.
Gastrectomy: Partial or complete removal of the stomach (used for stomach cancer).
Colectomy: Removal of a section or the entire colon (for colon cancer).
Pancreatectomy: Removal of the pancreas or part of it (used for pancreatic cancer).
Whipple Procedure: A complex surgery that removes parts of the pancreas, bile duct, and stomach (for advanced pancreatic or bile duct cancer).
Esophagectomy: Removal of a portion of the oesophagus (used in oesophageal cancer).
Surgeries may also include lymph node removal to check for cancer spread. Laparoscopic or robotic surgeries are often used to minimize recovery time.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy or inhibit cancer cells. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumours or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to prevent recurrence.
Systemic Chemotherapy: Drugs travel through the bloodstream to attack cancer cells throughout the body.
Regional Chemotherapy: Targets cancer cells in specific areas of the body.
Common chemotherapy agents for digestive cancers include 5-FU (fluorouracil), capecitabine, and gemcitabine. Side effects can include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and low immunity.
Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours. It is often used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
External Beam Radiation: A machine directs radiation at the tumour from outside the body.
Brachytherapy: Radioactive material is placed inside or near the tumour.
Radiation therapy is particularly useful for oesophageal, rectal, and pancreatic cancers to shrink tumours and relieve symptoms.
Targeted therapy uses drugs or substances that specifically target proteins or genes that promote cancer growth.
Monoclonal Antibodies: Target specific proteins on cancer cells, such as HER2 (used in stomach cancer).
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Block enzymes responsible for cancer cell growth and spread.
Targeted therapy is less likely to affect normal cells, leading to fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy enhances the body's natural immune response to fight cancer.
Checkpoint Inhibitors: Drugs that block proteins used by cancer cells to evade the immune system.
Cancer Vaccines: Help the immune system recognize cancer cells.
This treatment is mainly used in advanced cases where traditional therapies are ineffective.
For advanced or metastatic cancers, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. This can include:
Pain management through medications or nerve blocks
Nutritional support for patients with difficulty eating or swallowing
Counselling and emotional support for patients and families
Management of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, or bowel issues
Palliative care is often integrated with curative treatments to enhance patient comfort.
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