Dr. Pradeep Jain-Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers

Dr. Pradeep Jain FortisHospital - Facts about cancer, Cancer or malignant tumor is a collection of diseases that involve the cell growth abnormally that possible to spread to any part of the body. In simple terms, when abnormal cells are created rapidly and growing beyond their usual margins and then can infect other adjacent body parts. These abnormal cells are collectively known as cancer.

Unfortunately there is no boundary for the growth of these abnormal cells. Additionally there is no particular age of affecting by this disease. Women, men and children, anyone can affected and at risk. As per a survey by World Cancer Research Fund International, about 12.7 million cases of cancer has been noticed in the year 2008 and further the starting numbers are estimated to increase up to 21 million up to 2030.

Even further division of these cases, three most common forms of cancer have been found in both the sexes:

·         Breast cancer in women only

·         Lung cancer

·         Colorectal cancer

What is Gastrointestinal Cancer?

The malignant condition that affects the GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) and digestion organs including pancreas, small and large intestine, stomach, rectum, esophagus and anus, is known as GI cancers. In this disease, abnormal cells are formed in digestive organs or the organs helpful in flushing out the body waste.

As compared to other forms of cancer, GI cancers are mostly responsible for more cancers and leads to more death from this disease.

Factors that cause GI cancer

Although there is not so much information available that describes about the factors that cause GI cancers, it is known that risk factors may vary to different types of GI cancers. But having risk factors does not mean that you will get the disease because in several cases, people have no known risk factors.

Age: There is a rapid increase in stomach cancer rates with the increase in age. Mostly the disease is diagnosed between late 60s and 80s.

Gender: This is more commonly found in men as compared to women.

Diet: Diet that includes large amounts of salted fish and meat, smoked foods and pickled vegetables have increased risk of stomach, small intestine, colorectal and pancreatic cancer. The risk of these cancers also increases by eating a high fat diet. However eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of these diseases.

Being obese or overweight: Obesity is a possible cause of upper digestive tract cancers.

Use of tobacco and alcohol or smoking: Excessive use of tobacco or smoking increases the risk of pancreatic and stomach cancer. And excess alcohol use increases the risk of colorectal and liver cancer.

Common Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Similarly the risk factors, the symptoms of GI cancer may vary differently on the type of cancer:

·         Severe loss in weight

·         Vomiting or nausea and coughing up blood

·         Discomfort in abdominal

·         Rectal bleeding

·         Pain in the upper and lower abdomen

·         Weakness, yellow skin and eyes

·         Fever and loss of appetite

Dr Pradeep Jain FortisHospital, Shalimar Bagh is an experienced and praised laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeon. As a pioneer in his field, Dr Pradeep Jain has performed life-changing surgeries to help patients battle gastrointestinal cancers and dangerous levels of obesity.