Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the digestive system, including the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer), stomach (gastric cancer), pancreas, liver, esophagus, and other organs. Until the last decade, these cancers were more common in older adults. Today, cases of several types of GI cancer are on the rise in younger adults.
When considering cancer risk, many people tend to focus on family history. While genetics can influence risk, the likelihood of developing GI cancer is also influenced by other factors, including lifestyle choices. Understanding your personal risk factors and when to talk to your doctor about screening can play a significant part in detecting cancer in its early stages, when treatment is often more effective.
Aside from the rising number of GI cancer diagnoses, another challenge with GI cancers is that symptoms don’t typically appear until the disease is more advanced. In some cases, early symptoms can be vague or easily mistaken for common digestive issues. This is why prevention, awareness, and routine screening are crucial.
While some risk factors are beyond your control, many can be managed through lifestyle changes, preventive care, and regular communication with your doctor if you have a family history or you are experiencing symptoms, including digestive issues.
Although risk factors vary by type of cancer, several are common across all gastrointestinal cancers.
The risk of developing GI cancer increases with age, particularly after 50. However, some GI cancers, such as colorectal cancer, are becoming more common in younger adults, which has led to earlier screening recommendations for those considered average-risk. Regardless of age, it’s important to pay attention to persistent symptoms, know your family history, and discuss any concerns with a doctor.
Smoking is linked to several GI cancers, including colorectal, esophageal, and stomach cancer. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that can damage cells throughout the digestive tract. It can also weaken the body’s ability to fight against cancer.
Heavy alcohol use is associated with a higher risk of certain GI cancers, especially colorectal cancer. Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and contribute to chronic inflammation. When combined with smoking, the risk becomes even higher. This is especially true for esophageal cancers.
Your lowest risk comes when avoiding alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, moderate how much you drink to keep your overall cancer risk lower.
Carrying excess body weight and living a sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of several types of GI cancers. Obesity can contribute to chronic inflammation, hormonal changes, and insulin resistance, which may play a role in GI cancer development. When it comes to colorectal cancer, overweight men tend to be at a higher risk than women.
Staying physically active can support weight management, digestive health, and overall wellness.
The foods you eat can also influence the risk of developing GI cancers. Diets high in processed and red meats may increase the overall risk for all GI cancers. Highly processed foods and excess salt have also been associated with a higher risk.
To help reduce the risk and support digestive health and overall wellness, focus on eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber.
Some health conditions can increase the risk of GI cancer developing in your lifetime. Many of these can be addressed with medication and/or lifestyle choices.
Also referred to as chronic acid reflux, this condition can lead to the cells of the lower esophagus changing into a type of cell more likely to develop cancer. Learn more about acid reflux and your risk for GI cancer.
High insulin levels and insulin resistance promote rapid cell growth. If diabetes is not under control, ongoing high blood sugar can damage cells and cause chronic inflammation that encourages abnormal cell growth and ultimately increases the risk of GI cancer.
A Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infection is a common bacterial infection in the stomach. If left untreated, H. Pylori can lead to chronic inflammation and ultimately damage to the stomach lining. As the stomach lining cells change, gastritis, ulcers, and eventually pre-cancerous sores can develop.
One type of irritable bowel disease is ulcerative colitis, causing pain, inflammation, and ulcers in the inner lining of your intestines and rectum. Chronic inflammation from ulcerative colitis can damage your colon lining and disrupt the repair of other cells. This increases the number of cancer cells developing. Learn more about ulcerative colitis and GI cancer risks.
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, often developing from abnormal growths called polyps. Most polyps are harmless and can be removed during screening. However, if left undetected, polyps can become cancerous over time.
Some additional risk factors specifically associated with colorectal cancer include:
Learn more about colorectal cancer risk factors.
Esophageal cancer affects the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. There are two primary types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Risk factors of esophageal cancer include:
Learn more about the causes, risk factors, and prevention of esophageal cancer.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops in the lining of the stomach. While it’s unclear as to what causes stomach cancer, some specific risk factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
Learn more about the causes, risk factors, and ways to help prevent gastric cancer.
Not every GI cancer has a standard screening test, so it’s important to take advantage of the ones that do. For example, colorectal cancer screening has become one of the most effective tools for prevention and early detection.
The American Cancer Society recommends that average-risk adults begin routine colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Those with additional risk factors should talk with their doctor to determine whether they need earlier or more frequent screening.
Learn about common screening methods used to detect colon and rectal cancers.
Patients should also talk with their healthcare provider about new or unusual digestive symptoms, such as:
While these symptoms could be related to something other than cancer, they should not be ignored. Visit your doctor as soon as possible so a proper diagnosis can be made.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent GI cancers; however, certain lifestyle choices may help reduce your risk.
Some healthy habits include:
People who have a family history of GI cancers or inherited cancer syndromes may be encouraged to consider genetic counseling to help guide screening recommendations.
At Compass Oncology, our highly experienced cancer specialists are dedicated to supporting patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. We offer personalized care and the latest treatment options for all types of GI cancers, as well as access to clinical trials. We also provide second opinions on cancer treatment plans to make sure you feel confident about your next steps. Request an appointment at one of our cancer centers located in Portland and Tigard, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.