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A Canadian mother says she was “drowning in grief” after her 38-year-old son died of colon cancer last summer. Today, it raises awareness and “encourages younger people to get tested and be aware of the symptoms,” the ministry said. Citizen of Ottawa reported.
“I call it a monster. Cancer is a monster,” Yvonne McIsaac told Citizen of Ottawa.
Rates of colorectal cancer are increasing among younger Canadians, with a 2022 study finding that Canadians born after 1980 are two to two and a half times more likely to be diagnosed before age 50 than previous generations at the same age. However, the Citizen of Ottawa reported that people in this age group are often fired by medical professionals “solely because of their age.”
Canadians’ attention has been captivated since the recent announcement that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery. Although the specific type of cancer in her diagnosis was not disclosed, it shed light on gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
The Princess of Wales, 42, said last week she was in the early stages of preventive chemotherapy and doing “fine”, after weeks of speculation about her health following a “planned surgery ” in January. “At the time, it was thought that my condition was not cancerous,” Middleton said in a video. “The operation was successful, but tests after the operation revealed the presence of cancer.”
Health awareness is a priority for many Canadians. It is therefore essential to understand these cancers for early detection and effective treatment. Yahoo Canada studied the different types of gastrointestinal cancers, their risk factors and early signs with Dr. Eric Chen, a medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto.
What are gastrointestinal cancers?
Gastrointestinal cancers refer to malignant tumors affecting the digestive system. Chen explains, “There are many different types of gastrointestinal cancers because the gastrointestinal tract extends from the esophagus to the rectum.”
This includes cancers of the esophagus, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, intestine (large intestine or colon and rectum), and anus. Chen points out that these cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, have become more common among young people and are among the most common and deadly in the country.
Early signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal cancers
Chen points out that “most early cancers cause no symptoms,” emphasizing the value of screening programs. He adds that it’s difficult to generalize symptoms, but some signs of gastrointestinal cancers that may overlap include:
However, these symptoms are not specific to gastrointestinal cancers alone and can be associated with a range of other health problems, Chen confirms. However, their persistence can be a key indicator that you need to see a doctor.
Although these symptoms may indicate a problem with the digestive system and may be vague, each type of gastrointestinal cancer has unique risk factors and some have specific early signs.
Gastrointestinal cancers: types, risks and first symptoms
Gastrointestinal cancers include a range of malignancies affecting the organs of the digestive system and each type has distinct characteristics, risks and health implications.
Chen reiterates that common risk factors include smoking and alcohol consumption, while family history plays a crucial role in assessing individual risk levels. The Canadian Cancer Society adds that diet, physical activity and regular screening can have a significant impact on the risk and detection of these cancers.
The five most common gastrointestinal cancers, according to Yale Medicineinclude the following:
Colorectal cancer
The second most common cancer among Canadian women and third among men, colorectal cancer is highly detectable through screening processes such as colonoscopy. The Canadian Cancer Society highlights risk factors such as age, family history of colorectal cancer, a diet high in red and processed meats, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Esophageal cancer
This cancer forms in the esophagus and presents early symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and weight loss. The Mayo Clinic describes the two main types: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, each with different risk factors and prevalence rates. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic acid reflux are significant risk factors for esophageal cancer.
Stomach (gastric) cancer
Stomach cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages due to nonspecific symptoms. The Canadian Cancer Society emphasizes the importance of recognizing subtle signs like indigestion and stomach upset, which can be early indicators. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, risk factors include a diet high in salty and smoked foods, smoking and stomach bacteria.
Pancreatic cancer
Known for its aggressive nature, risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity and a family history of the disease, as detailed by Cancer Care Ontario. Symptoms are often vague, including jaundice and abdominal pain, making early detection difficult.
Cancer Care Ontario highlights smoking, obesity and a history of pancreatitis as major risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Liver cancer
Primary liver cancer is closely associated with liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms may include weight loss, upper abdominal pain and jaundice.
The American Cancer Society notes that chronic infection with hepatitis B or C and cirrhosis are major risk factors for liver cancer.
Diagnosis and prevention: what Canadians need to know
Guidelines from the Canadian Cancer Society suggest that people aged 50 to 74 receive regular colorectal cancer screenings – a key practice in early detection and prevention. Chen adds: “We encourage patients over 50 to take at least one FIT test.” FIT tests, or fecal immunochemical tests, detect blood in your stool (poop), which could indicate a precancer.
Explaining the diagnostic process, Chen says: “Diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer…can be done through screening and/or when patients develop symptoms. ” He says the diagnosis may involve “blood tests, some kind of imaging, or a CT scan and an endoscope.”
Chen advises: “If you have symptoms that worry you…the first thing to do is contact your family doctor. »
Incorporating lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, is recommended to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancers.
For more information on gastrointestinal cancers, including detailed guides on symptoms, risk factors and prevention strategies, visit reputable sources like the Canadian Cancer Society and Cancer Care Ontario.
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