What is Gastro-Intestinal Cancer and how it can be treated in SIngapore | Dr David Ong - A respected Singapore Gastroenterologist

Cancer

Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer is cancer of the oesophagus (gullet), which is the long muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Oesophageal cancer is more common in males and usually appears in patients 60-70 years of age. Risk factors for oesophageal cancer include: smoking, alcohol consumption, diet low in fruits and vegetables, obesity, acid reflux (heartburn), and Barrett’s oesophagus.

Signs and symptoms include:

– Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)

– Unexplained weight loss

– Vomiting (Bloody vomit)

– Rectal bleeding (blood in stool), black stool

– Chest pain

– Acid reflux (heartburn)

– Hoarse voice.

Oesophageal cancer may be used to confirm a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer through a variety of tests including:

– Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) (Upper endoscopy)

– Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) (Upper endoscopy) and biopsy

– Endoscopic ultrasound

– Nasoendoscopy

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is the third most common gastrointestinal cancer, affecting 4.7% of men and 3.4% of women. Stomach cancer is usually associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), infection with Helicobacter pylori (Peptic ulcers and/or gastritis), family history of stomach cancer, a diet high in fat and processed foods, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, and anaemia from vitamin B12 deficiency.

Signs and symptoms include:

– Rectal Bleeding (Blood in stool)

– Dyspepsia

– Upper abdominal discomfort

– Acid Reflux (Heartburn) after meals

– Reduced Appetite

– Unexplained weight loss

– Anaemia from blood loss

Various tests may be used to diagnose stomach cancer including:

– Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) (Upper endoscopy)

– Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) (Upper endoscopy) and biopsy

– Endoscopic ultrasound

– X-ray

– Barium swallow

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer, affecting 17.2% of women and 13.4% of women. It begins in the large intestine with the formation of growths known as polyps. While most polyps are non-cancerous, they may sometimes develop into cancerous growths. CRC is more likely to affect those above 50 years of age, people with a family history of CRC, or those who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Other risk factors include being overweight/obese, being physically inactive. Smoking, and alcohol consumption.

A colonoscopy is generally recommended if you are at the age 50 or older as a routine screening for colon cancer. An endoscopy is an important step in managing your gastrointestinal health, especially if you are suffering from gastrointestinal issues or over the age of 50. They allow physicians such as Dr Ong to detect diseases early, so he can treat you early and achieve better outcomes. Early detection and treatment may save your life!

Signs and symptoms include:

– Rectal Bleeding (blood in stool)

– Unexplained weight loss

– Abdominal pain

– Sudden change in bowel habits

– Anaemia

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, which is the most common gastrointestinal cancer after colorectal cancer, affects 7.5% of men in Singapore. Liver cancer usually develops from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, increasing evidence shows an increased amount of liver cancer cases caused by fatty liver disease.

Signs and symptoms include:

– Unexplained weight loss

– Reduced appetite

– Nausea and/or vomiting

– Feeling full after eating small amounts of food

– Yellowish whites of the eyes and yellowish skin (jaundice)

– Abdominal discomfort

– Swelling in the abdomen

Based on your symptoms, Dr Ong will order various tests to confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer. This may include a blood test and liver sample (biopsy).

Other symptoms