Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers have the ability to affect multiple organs. The goal of early diagnosis is to ensure effective management of these diseases. The likelihood of GI cancers tends to increase after the age of 50 and patients may not have many symptoms during the early phase of their illnesses. At Danville Gastroenterology Center we are involved in the diagnosis of the following cancers:

Digestive Cancer Screening Include:

Esophageal Cancer – Although its frequency is low, it is the fastest rising cancer in the country

Stomach Cancer – The second most common cancer in the world although its incidence is low in the U.S.

Small Intestinal & Stromal Cancers – rare tumor category with limited information

Liver Cancer – One of the most common cancers in patients from Far East Asia and those with cirrhosis

Pancreatic Cancer – One of the more fatal cancers in the U.S (due to late diagnosis).

Colo-rectal Cancer – Second most prevalent cancer in the U.S overall.

Anal Cancer – Primarily induced by a sexually transmitted infectious virus.

Some patients have hereditary predisposition to GI cancers due to their genetic make-up while others may be at increased risk for developing disease do their lifestyles and diet. Rather than waiting for symptoms to develop, effective early diagnosis of GI cancers includes: Patients being aware of their family history of cancers, Individuals being conscientious of their lifestyle choices (smoking, excess weight), Patients seeing their physician to discuss their risk factors and have appropriate testing