Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is not one particular disease. The term is applied to any cancer that affects the digestive system. Some gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal cancer, are common and can be prevented with appropriate screening. Other, less common types, such as pancreatic cancer, can be difficult to detect in their early stages and require intensive treatment.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer, we will work to find the best specialist to meet your needs. Our team will help coordinate care with local and regional experts who are with you throughout your treatment. Our partnership with MUSC Health in Charleston offers access to clinical trials and leading-edge treatment options, while still allowing us to focus on you or your loved one as a person, not just a patient.

Find a cancer care specialist, or call 843-522-7800 in Beaufort or 843-706-8660 to make an appointment.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Types

Some common types of gastrointestinal cancer include:

Colorectal Cancer

Most colorectal cancers start in the colon or rectum and are among the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States. Colorectal cancer is also the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., but deaths are steadily declining, in part because of screenings that detect cancerous polyps before the cancer spreads. That is why it is important to begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45 or as recommended by your provider.

Learn more about colorectal cancer.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that begins in the esophagus. While not all forms of esophageal cancer can be prevented, lifestyle changes, including quitting tobacco if you smoke, limiting alcohol intake and eating a healthy diet, can help reduce your risk. Additionally, patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease should seek treatment for their condition to prevent Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.

Liver Cancer

Cancer that starts in the liver or bile ducts is rare in the United States, and currently there are no recommended ways to screen for it among people who are at average risk. Many patients are not diagnosed with liver cancer until they begin experiencing symptoms in the disease’s later stages.

Nevertheless, liver cancer can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding tobacco and heavy alcohol use, losing weight if you are overweight or obese, and maintaining a healthy diet are all ways you can reduce your risk of liver cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is also rare in the United States and often goes undiagnosed until its later stages. Pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms, and there are currently no recommended screening options. However, research is being done to learn more about what causes pancreatic cancer and how it can be prevented. Avoiding tobacco and losing weight if you are overweight or obese, especially if you have excess weight around your waistline, can reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Our board-certified gastroenterologists can help you to understand your risks for  cancers and steps you can take to prevent them.