In modern times, cases of digestive cancer are on the rise due to poor lifestyle choices such as processed foods and lack of exercise. Digestive or gastrointestinal cancers are more prevalent in men and the risk may increase with age. Digestive cancers include tumors of the colon, rectum, stomach, pancreas, esophagus, anus, gallbladder, liver and bile duct. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, aging, viral and bacterial infections, chronic pancreatitis and obesity are the main causes of digestive cancer. (Also read: Should you drink water before, during or after meals? How does it affect digestion?)
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, aging, viral or bacterial infections, chronic pancreatitis, and obesity are the main causes of gastrointestinal cancer. (Pixabay) {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
Patients with gastrointestinal cancer may experience bowel and urinary incontinence, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. The risk of colorectal cancer is increased by aging, obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in processed and red meat, alcohol consumption, and long-term smoking.
Get exclusive access to the latest news on India's General Elections only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now!
Colorectal cancer, the second most common malignant tumor in the United States, is associated with genetic as well as environmental risk factors, while rectal cancer may be associated with sexually transmitted diseases, chronic inflammation, and smoking.
“Gastrointestinal cancer encompasses a range of malignant tumours that affect various organs along the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, colon and rectum. These cancers pose significant health challenges across the globe. Understanding the various types of gastrointestinal cancer and adopting preventive strategies is an important step in fighting these diseases. Symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer vary depending on the specific type but may include persistent indigestion, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss,” said Dr Rajat Bajaj, Head, Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Noida.
Types of Digestive Cancer
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
To mark World Digestive Health Day, here's everything you need to know about the main types of digestive cancer.
1. Esophageal cancer
“Esophageal cancer begins in the esophageal tract. There are two main types of cancer – squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma typically occurs in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus, while adenocarcinoma tends to occur in the lower part, closer to the stomach,” says Dr Bajaj.
“Oesophageal and gastric cancers are cancers of the oesophagus and stomach. There are certain environmental risk factors like Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection that causes gastric cancer. The other is related to dietary environmental factors. Ecological studies suggest that excessive salt intake and traditional salted foods are strongly associated with the risk of gastric cancer,” says Dr Pooja Babbar, consultant medical oncologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
2. Stomach cancer
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
Also known as gastric cancer, it affects the stomach lining. Risk factors include infection with Helicobacter pylori, a diet high in salted, smoked or pickled foods, and smoking, says Dr Bajaj.
3. Pancreatic cancer
This cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and is difficult to treat. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis and family history.
“Pancreatic cancer is a very deadly cancer. Diabetes, glucose, metabolism, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are its risk factors. There is a strong association between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. We know that long-term diabetics eventually develop pancreatic cancer and vice versa. Also, almost 90 per cent of gastrointestinal cancers are associated with environmental risk factors, so by improving the environmental factors, the risk can be reduced,” said Dr. Babar.
4. Liver cancer
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
“Liver cancer can begin in the liver itself (primary liver cancer) or spread from other parts of the body (metastatic liver cancer). Risk factors include chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and exposure to certain chemicals,” says Bajaj.
“Liver cancer and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are the sixth most commonly diagnosed malignant tumours and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is often caused by viral hepatitis infection, mainly hepatitis B, which progresses to cirrhosis and ultimately cancer. That is, hepatitis B and C virus infections, which if not cleared, increase the risk of HCC. Other risk factors include betel nut chewing, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Hepatitis B vaccination helps in prevention,” said Dr Babar.
5. Colon cancer
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
It is the third most common cancer in the world. It usually begins as a small growth called a polyp and over time turns into cancer. Risk factors include age, family history, and inflammatory bowel disease, says Dr Bajaj.
“Colorectal cancer is currently becoming the third most common cancer in men and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Patients with a family history of colorectal cancer or hereditary bowel syndromes or certain syndromes such as adenomatous polyposis syndrome (FAP), MAP and Lynch syndrome are at higher risk of colorectal cancer. These people have inherited defective genes that mutate and cause cancer. For patients with a family history of cancer, early colonoscopy, annual screening tests, genetic counselling and testing for certain gene mutations can help in early diagnosis. Enhanced screening can be done for people with a family history of hereditary bowel syndromes or sporadic colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Babbar.
Prevention strategies
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
When it comes to developing gastrointestinal cancers, our modern lifestyle can pose a major risk. Dr. Bajaj shares some prevention tips to ward off these cancers.
• Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in fiber and lean protein helps reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancer. It is recommended to limit the intake of processed and red meat and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for many types of cancer, including those that affect the digestive system. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing these cancers.
• Stay active: 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of some types of cancer.
{{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
• Screening and early detection: Regular screening, such as colonoscopy for colorectal cancer and endoscopy for esophageal and stomach cancer, can detect pre-cancer and early cancer when treatment is most effective.
• Vaccinations: The Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can prevent infections that increase the risk of liver cancer and certain types of esophageal cancer, respectively. Talk to your doctor about your vaccination options.
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it. Your one-stop destination for live scores, match stats, quizzes, polls and much more. Explore now.
Get daily updates on fashion, Taylor Swift, health, festivals, travel, love, recipes and other latest lifestyle news on Hindustan Times website and app.
News / Lifestyle / Health / World Digestive Health Day 2024: 5 Deadly Digestive Cancers and How to Prevent Them
Source link
