4 Min Read
Millions of people around the globe are suffering from cancer. Gastrointestinal cancers are one of the most common types of cancer, responsible for 1 in 4 reported cancer cases and 1 in 3 cancer deaths globally. Gastrointestinal cancers pose a serious health risk, and their common cancers include colorectal, stomach, oesophagal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic. Making simple changes in your daily life lowers the risk of developing these cancers. In this blog, let's explore how lifestyle changes promote a healthy and cancer-free life.
About Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a group of cancers that affect the digestive system and its related organs. The gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role, being responsible for digesting food and extracting nutrients for the nourishment of the body. Abnormal cell growth can occur in any part of the digestive tract.
Despite affecting several organs, gastrointestinal malignancies exhibit varying behaviours and are treated differently based on the type and location of the disease. Their early detection and treatment are crucial for living a normal life.
Symptoms
The location and precise kind of cancer might affect its prognosis. But all these cancers show some common symptoms, such as:
-
Swelling in the abdomen
-
Digestive problems
-
Sudden weight loss
-
Changes in bowel habits
-
Blood in the stool or vomit
Keep a check on these early signs and get an evaluation done by our expert Gastroenterologist in Broadway, if you experience any of these symptoms.
Preventing Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers often show fewer symptoms in the early stages, and diagnosing them early is challenging. Therefore, the most effective approach is to focus on prevention by making simple changes in your lifestyle, thus reducing developing gastric cancer risk factors.
Lifestyle Changes for Preventing Gastrointestinal Cancers
-
Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, beans, green leafy vegetables, and fruits is the best way to prevent these types of cancers. Also, limit your intake of processed foods, sugar, salt, and red meat. Always cook food with a moderate amount of fat and oil.
-
Maintain Your Weight: Obesity is the main cause of many diseases and also increases the risk of GI cancers. Try to maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
-
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol affects the liver and also leads to GI cancers, especially of the oesophagus, liver, stomach, and colon. Reduce your consumption of alcohol and risk of getting GI cancer.
-
Quit Smoking: Tobacco is the major cause of GI cancers. Avoid smoking and consuming tobacco in any form to decrease your risk of developing GI cancer and other serious health conditions.
-
Exercise Regularly: Many studies have shown the positive impact of regularly exercising on our bodies. It strengthens the immune system, balances hormones, and aids in weight maintenance. Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can reduce the risk of GI cancers, especially of the liver, stomach, and oesophagus.
-
Take a Good Sleep: A sedentary lifestyle and busy lives are the causes of sleep deprivation, which has become a common issue. Getting a good night’s sleep for at least 6-7 hours is important for maintaining a healthy life.
-
Vaccination: Hepatitis B is considered the major cause of liver cancer. Getting a hepatitis B vaccination can help prevent this cancer.
-
Regular Screening: Detecting and treating gastric neoplasm at an early stage improves the chances of survival. Make sure to undergo regular screening every 6 months with a gastrointestinal oncologist to rule out your risk of developing GI cancer. Colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer is generally recommended for every individual over the age of 45 or those with a family history of colon cancer.
Conclusion
Prevention is always better than cure. Take control of your daily choices and make some changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol consumption, and regular screening for cancers to lower the risk of malignant neoplasm of stomach. Start making these lifestyle choices for a healthy and disease-free life. Moreover, never ignore any of the symptoms of GI cancers and undergo regular screening at the Gastroenterology Hospital in Broadway for early detection and to explore the most appropriate treatment options. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
FAQ's
The common screening tests available for GI cancers include:
-
Upper endoscopy to access the stomach, oesophagus, and small intestine
-
Colonoscopy and stool tests to detect colorectal cancer
-
Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI for liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic cancers
-
Lab tests to assess changes in the blood due to GI cancers
Just like any other type of cancer, the treatment options for GI cancers also depend on the type and stage of the cancer. The most appropriate treatment options are Chemotherapy, Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Palliative Care. These help in managing its symptoms and improving the quality of life.
The best way to manage GI cancer is to prevent it through lifestyle changes. If it still occurs, early detection and immediate treatment can improve survival rates. The survival rate also depends on the type, stage at the time of diagnosis, type of treatment, response to the treatment, and overall health. Early detection and immediate treatment can improve results.
You should seek immediate help if you experience any of these symptoms of GI cancer, such as persistent abdominal pain, digestion issues, blood in stool or vomit, rapid weight loss, and changes in bowel habits. In addition, if you're at increased risk of getting GI cancer, it's crucial to undergo regular screening with an oncologist, especially for colorectal cancer.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our oncology department or visit our website.
Share this article on:
