Knowledge centre
Gastrointestinal cancers
This pathway covers cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and bowel. Symptoms are often ordinary at first — difficulty swallowing, indigestion, a change in bowels — which is why persistence matters.
Risk factors
- Tobacco and alcohol, especially for the oesophagus
- Helicobacter pylori infection for stomach cancer
- Chronic hepatitis B or C, alcohol, and fatty liver disease for liver cancer
- A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Some dietary patterns high in salted, smoked, or heavily processed foods
Prevention
- Do not use tobacco. Limit alcohol
- Test and treat H. pylori when a clinician advises it
- Hepatitis B vaccination, and treatment of chronic hepatitis when indicated
- Keep a healthy weight and treat diabetes
- Tell a doctor about a strong family history of bowel cancer
Early signs
- Difficulty swallowing, or food sticking
- Persistent indigestion, vomiting, or a feeling of fullness after small meals
- Blood in the stool, black stools, or a lasting change in bowel habit
- Yellowing of the eyes, unexplained abdominal pain, or a new abdominal swelling
- Unexplained anaemia, tiredness, or weight loss
Screening
Population colonoscopy is not a routine national programme for every adult in India. People with bleeding, a lasting change in bowels, or a strong family history need individual advice.
Hepatitis B vaccination is a cancer-prevention tool. People with chronic liver disease should be in clinical follow-up, which may include ultrasound surveillance.
Treatment overview
Surgery, endoscopy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted or immunotherapy treatments are used in different combinations. Nutrition support is often part of treatment, not an optional extra.
Survivorship
Eating can change after stomach, pancreas, or bowel treatment. A dietitian, treatment of reflux or diarrhoea, and a clear follow-up schedule make recovery practical.