Gastro-Intestinal cancer is a broad term used to encompass all cancers of the Gastro-Intestinal tract (digestive system). This includes cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bowel, rectal and anal. Following is a brief overview of each cancer:

Oesophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the swallowing tube that passes from the mouth/throat to the stomach. Some risk factors for cancer of the oesophagus are long-term exposure to smoking, heavy alcohol intake and Barrett’s oesophagitis.

Gallbladder cancer affects the digestive organ that stores bile (produced in the liver). The gallbladder digests and absorbs fats in the intestines. One risk factor for cancer of the gallbladder is gallstones.

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the small glandular organ, approximately six inches long, located in the upper abdomen. The pancreas is connected to the small intestine and secretes enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon. It’s often called a “silent disease” because during the early stages of the disease there are very few, if any symptoms.

Stomach cancer is commonly referred to as gastric cancer and can develop in any part of this organ. The symptoms of stomach cancer are not well defined – however, loss of appetite and weight loss are sometimes indicators. Stomach ulcers are not necessarily risk factors for the development of stomach cancer.

Liver cancers generally originate from other areas, such as the colon, breast or lung, and then spread to the liver. The liver is the largest glandular organ of the body and performs an important range of functions in the digestive system including detoxification and the storage of vitamins and minerals. Cancers originating in the liver do exist, and are more common in people of Asiatic origin.

Small intestine cancer affects the hose-like portions of the digestive system that winds back and forth within the abdominal cavity (approximately 6.7 meters). The small intestine’s primary function is to absorb nutrients.

Bowel (colorectal) cancer:

Colon (large intestine) cancer is a malignant tumour that develops from within the inner wall of the large intestine. The colon is the lower part of the hose-like portion of the digestive system, extending from the lower end of the stomach to the rectum. Risk factor for cancer of the colon include heredity, colon polyps, and long standing ulcerative colitis.

Rectal cancer develops as a malignant tumour arising from the inner wall of the end (rectum) of the large intestine. This type of cancer is commonly known as rectal or colo-rectal cancer.

The three primary treatments for cancer: Surgery, Radiation therapy and/or ChemotherapyIn some cases hormone therapy or a biological therapy may be used. The type of treatment recommended will depend on a range of factors including the location and type of cancer, the grade and stage of the disease and the patient’s age and general health. In some cases a combination of treatment methods may be used.

Surgery to remove the primary tumour and surrounding tissue is necessary in the treatment of most tumours. The aim of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as possible. Any remaining cells can be treated using radiation and/or chemotherapy. How much surgery is done depends on how far the cancer has spread and on the patient’s general health.

Treatment Plan Recommended for Hepatitis C:

You and your doctor will need to decide together how you should be treated. It depends on what type of hepatitis C you have. You will likely have to take a combination of medicines based on which virus you have. The medicine are usually in the pill form .Treatment for hepatitis C usually last for 3-6 months. If you are being treated for hepatitis c, it is very important that you:-

Never skip doses

Take all medicines exactly how your doctor tells you to

Never stop any of your medicines your doctor asks you to take. To help you remember to take all of your medicines at the right time, you can use special reminders called “memory aids” eg. Wrist watch, smart phones, app that can be set to remind you when it’s time to take your pills.

Treatment can cause side effects but most of them are not serious

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Symptoms of hepatitis C in women

Many women do not know they have hepatitis C until they show symptoms of advanced disease. Those who present symptoms in the initial stage usually attribute them to other problems, such as anemia, depression or even menopause.

Among the premature symptoms we find,

Fatigue

Discomfort in the abdomen

Muscle and joint pain

Lack of appetite

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The colon is otherwise known as the large intestine. Water and salt from solid wastes are extracted in the colon before exiting the body through the anus.

What is Colon Cancer and what causes it? 

Cancer is a disease characterized by out-of-control cell growth. According to recent studies, around 4 per 100000 people suffer from colon cancer in India. It is the 8^th most common cancer in men and 9^th most common in women.

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