Gastrointestinal Cancer

Cancer is a disease that is not entirely preventable, however, we can reduce our risk by avoiding (if possible) the following:

• Inactive lifestyle: Being sedentary or inactive can cause a plethora of diseases, including cancer.
• Obesity: Obesity goes hand in hand with leading an inactive lifestyle, and both put you at a high risk of cancer and other diseases.
• Diet that is low in fruits and vegetables: Colon cancer and stomach cancer are often caused by an unhealthy diet.
• Smoking: Smoking has been linked to many diseases including cancer.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Different types of cancer have been linked to alcohol consumption.
• Infection: Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer, and infection by Helicopacter pylori can cause stomach cancer.
• Family history: If you have family members who have or have had gastrointestinal cancer, you are at a higher risk.

Gastrointestinal cancers are diagnosed using a combination of tests such as a biopsy, colonoscopy, endoscopy, gastroscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography, deep enteroscopy, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography scans (CT-scans). 

What are the treatment options for Gastrointestinal Cancer in Singapore?

Treatment for gastrointestinal cancer depends on what stage the cancer is in, and which part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected.

Treatment options are:

• Surgery
• Removing polyps during colonoscopy
• Endoscopic mucosal resection
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Radiotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Your gastroenterologist will guide and help you with a treatment plan that best suits your needs.