Digestive cancer

What is Digestive Cancer?

Digestive cancers refer to all malignant tumors that develop in the digestive tract—the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus—or in the glands attached to it, such as the liver or pancreas.

There are therefore several types of digestive cancer, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, anal cancer, and others. Colorectal cancer is by far the most common type of digestive cancer, with 26,900 cases expected to be diagnosed in 2020. This represents 12% of all new cancer cases in the country. The second most common type of digestive cancer is pancreatic cancer (6,000 cases diagnosed in 2020), followed by stomach cancer (4,200 cases).

Different types of digestive cancers all have their own characteristics, symptoms, and risk factors. However, it is widely agreed that certain factors or lifestyle habits pose a significant risk for several digestive cancers. These include being overweight or obese, heavy alcohol consumption, and smoking. Family history is also a factor to consider when it comes to many digestive cancers. If someone in your immediate family has had digestive cancer, we recommend that you pay close attention to the symptoms described below on this page.

What are the symptoms of digestive cancer?

It should be noted that the majority of people who are likely to develop digestive cancer or precancerous conditions are asymptomatic, meaning that a person may have the disease without showing any symptoms. However, certain warning signs should be brought to the patient's attention, including:

Bleeding

• Vomiting red blood or brownish liquid (digested blood)
• Bleeding from the anus (with or without stool)
• Black, tarry stools
• Iron deficiency anemia (especially in men and postmenopausal women)

Changes in bowel habits

• New constipation
• Change in stool shape and frequency

New symptoms of blockage when eating

• Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids
• Repeated vomiting

Unintentional weight loss ranging from 5-10 lbs

Significant loss of appetite

New aversion to certain foods (e.g., meat)

At Clinique 1037, we believe that if you experience one or more of these symptoms, a digestive endoscopy is generally the best way to investigate them, as it allows for a very accurate diagnosis and possible treatment options.

Please contact us for more information on this subject.

What are the risk factors?

The main risk factors for various types of digestive cancers are as follows:

Esophageal cancer

• Chronic and heavy alcohol consumption (beer, wine, and spirits)
• Chronic smoking
• Chronic esophageal reflux
• Achalasia
• History of damage from caustic agents
• History of oropharyngeal cancer
• Chinese origin (First generation)

Stomach cancer

• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Family history of stomach cancer Duodenal cancer
• Familial polyposis
• Celiac disease

Colon cancer

• Positive fecal occult blood test
• Immediate family member (first-degree relative) with colorectal cancer
• Personal history of colorectal cancer
• Family history or diagnosis of hereditary syndromes associated with colorectal cancer, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.

Screening and recommendations

The term “screening” refers to the search for diseases before symptoms appear. Clinique 1037 therefore offers its screening recommendations for digestive cancer to patients who, by definition, have no symptoms of cancer or digestive disease. However, these patients have a risk profile that suggests that the potential benefits of screening (early detection of cancer or precancer) outweigh the risks.

In order to determine the appropriate screening recommendation for you, please note that this recommendation varies depending on the type of digestive cancer to be detected.

Esophageal cancer

There are currently no formal screening recommendations for esophageal cancer.

Stomach cancer

There are currently no formal screening recommendations for stomach cancer. However, some experts recommend screening for patients with a family history of gastric cancer or certain familial cancer syndromes.

Duodenal cancer

Screening for duodenal cancer is recommended for patients with familial colon polyposis.

Colon cancer

Age is generally the most important risk factor for colorectal cancer. In fact, more than 90% of cases occur in people over the age of 50.

The Canadian Colorectal Cancer Association (CCCA) therefore recommends that all Canadians (men and women) aged 50 and over undergo colorectal cancer screening.

The simplest but least effective test is a fecal occult blood test. If the result is positive, a colonoscopy should always be performed to determine the cause of the bleeding.

People who may be at risk for colorectal cancer should discuss this with their doctor to determine the appropriate screening method for them and to schedule a screening test, including regular follow-up.

Concerned about digestive cancer? Our doctors are here for you.

At Clinique 1037, we recommend endoscopy as a screening test for digestive cancers because it is the only exam that allows for the diagnosis and immediate treatment of all precancerous lesions (through polypectomy). Gastroscopy is an endoscopic examination that allows the upper digestive system (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) to be observed, while colonoscopy allows the lower digestive tract (anus, rectum, and colon) to be observed. By performing an endoscopy to detect precancerous lesions at an early stage, it is possible to intervene quickly to remove them and prevent the development of serious disease.

Even when cancer has developed, it often grows slowly. The earlier the disease is detected, the more effective the treatment and the greater the chances of recovery. Regular screening for different types of digestive cancer may therefore be recommended in your case, particularly if you have several risk factors, as mentioned above.

Consult your doctor to determine your personal risk of developing digestive cancer. If necessary, our gastroenterology specialists are available to perform a digestive endoscopy. Fill out this form or contact us directly at 514-564-7458 or 1-855-643-2656 to schedule an appointment quickly!