Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the digestive system. This includes:
- Bile duct cancer
- Colon and rectal (colorectal) cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach (gastric) cancer
Most GI cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage because there are no early signs or symptoms of a problem, or there are no screening options available.
Treatment Options Available Hawai‘i Pacific Health Cancer Centers
Most people don’t like to talk about their bowel movements. Because of this, they often don’t tell their doctors about symptoms such as fecal incontinence, rectal bleeding, or other signs that could mean something is wrong.
One of our main goals at the Hawaiʻi Pacific Health Cancer Centers isn't just to treat a condition, but to prevent a condition. This start with open and honest conversations between you and your healthcare team.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum, is the third leading cancer in the U.S. (excluding skin cancers).
Colon cancer is curable if it is found at an early stage – stages 1, 2, or 3 – and people who have had colon cancer can lead a normal life.
Stage 4 colorectal cancer is treatable, and many patients can live more than a decade with a good quality of life. The earlier the stage, the easier the treatment.
Colonoscopy
The most common way to find colorectal cancer early is with a colonoscopy. During the procedure, the doctor can remove precancerous growths called colon polyps before they turn into cancer.
Over the last decade, there has been a noticeable increase in people younger than 50 diagnosed with colon cancer. While no one knows why this is happening, the American Cancer Society now recommends that adults at average risk begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45.
Once you undergo your first colonoscopy it becomes an ongoing screening to help detect colon cancer early.
Other Treatment Options
There are other tests to screen for colon cancer, such as CT scans and stool-based testing. Your healthcare team will determine which option is best for you.
Treatment options have improved over the years. In fact, sometimes doctors are able to remove a cancerous polyp during a colonoscopy, and no further treatment will be needed.
One myth is that if you have colon cancer you have to have a colostomy – a bag attached to your abdomen to collect your waste after surgery. While this is a possibility, more often than not you can use the toilet normally after colon cancer treatment.