Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer
Resources & support for your cancer journey
First Class Care for GI Cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer includes tumors affecting the digestive tract including colon cancer as well as cancers of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder and rectum.
GI cancers share several risk factors. Some risks can be modified such as diet and tobacco use; others like age can’t be changed.
Smoking, especially for cancers of the esophagus and stomach.
Alcohol use, especially averaging more than three drinks a day
Being overweight or obese
Diets high in salt, processed meat and low in fruits and raw vegetables
Age
Family history
Ethnicity: Native Americans & African Americans have higher rates of certain GI cancers.
H pylori infection increases the risk of stomach infection
Inflammatory bowel disease can increase colon cancer risk
Chronic viral hepatitis can increase the risk of liver cancer.
Digestive tract cancers can cause symptoms at later stages. Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. It is important to have them evaluated, especially if they don’t go away or get worse. Your health care provider can help you identify the cause and find treatment.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, lasting more a few days
Cramping or abdominal pain
Blood in the stool, usually looks dark brown or black
Rectal bleeding
Weakness or fatigue
Losing weight without trying
Loss of appetite
Swelling or fluid buildup in abdomen
Jaundice – yellowing of skin & eyes
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Screening for colon cancer provides not only the opportunity to find early stage cancer, it can find pre-cancerous polyps. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard as it allows for detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps. There are also stool-based tests as well. Screening is recommended:
Starting at age 45 for people of average risk
For people with increased risk, screening may need to start earlier.
Family history, personal medical history can impact screening recommendations.
Screening should continue until age 75 or life expectancy is less than 10 years.
Bringing Our Experts Together for You
As new GI cancers are diagnosed, they are presented at the bi-weekly tumor conference at NMMC-Tupelo. As a team, they discuss medical imaging and pathology reports and recommendations for treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They consider tumor characteristics such as type, size and receptor status as well as aspects of a patient’s health and family medical history that may impact recommendations. Based on the information presented, a personalized treatment plan is developed and shared with the team. The tumor conference includes gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists as well as other members of the Cancer Care team including the GI cancer nurse navigator, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers and dietitians.
GI Cancer Navigation at Cancer Care
What is an Oncology Nurse Navigator?
A cancer nurse navigator is a specialized oncology nurse who guides patients through the complex journey of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The role is multifaceted and patient-centered, ensuring patients receive timely, coordinated, and comprehensive care.
Common forms on GI cancer and stages of cancer include:
Colorectal cancer
Stomach or gastric cancer
Liver
Esophagus
Pancreas
Stages I-II: Cancers that haven't spread beyond the original location
Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes.
Metastatic: GI cancer cells have spread to distant sites; stage IV.
Advanced Technology for Biopsy & Surgery
Advances in surgical technology are allowing gastroenterologists and surgeons to better diagnose and treat GI cancer.
For diagnosis, endoscopic procedures allow your medical team to exam upper and lower portions of digestive tract as well as the biliary system connecting the liver to other parts of the digestive tract.
For colon surgery, general surgeons at NMMC-Tupelo and NMMC Gilmore-Amory use the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. Patients have shorter hospital stays, less pain, less blood loss and quicker recovery than with traditional surgical protocols.
For liver cancer, interventional radiology techniques can be used to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors in the liver in a minimally invasive procedure at NMMC-Tupelo.
Your multidisciplinary Cancer Care team will use evidence-based guidelines, the characteristics of your cancer and your personal health and family history to make recommendations for treating your GI cancer.
Related Locations
Mississippi’s only cancer center with all 4 accreditations
Commission On Cancer Accredited Program
Commission on Cancer conducts evaluation every three years; NMMC accredited since 1981.
ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
NMMC Breast Care Center designated comprehensive center by American College of Radiology
ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
NMMC Breast Care Center designated comprehensive center by American College of Radiology
ACS accredits NMMC’s breast care program
Meets national standards for comprehensive, patient-centered, multidisciplinary care.
Patient Stories
Survivor Advocates for Colon Cancer Screening
Shannon farmer celebrates 10 years as a cancer survivor
'If I Had Waited, it Could Have Been Bad'
Colonoscopy found Kossuth woman’s colon cancer at early, treatable stage
Survivor Advocates for Colon Cancer Screening
Shannon farmer celebrates 10 years as a cancer survivor
'If I Had Waited, it Could Have Been Bad'
Colonoscopy found Kossuth woman’s colon cancer at early, treatable stage
Related Resources
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Clinical Research
Cancer Care physicians actively contribute to research to improve care for current and future patients. Trials are available for all stages of cancer and include treatments, testing for biomarkers and lab devices.
Clinical Research
Cancer Care physicians actively contribute to research to improve care for current and future patients. Trials are available for all stages of cancer and include treatments, testing for biomarkers and lab devices.