Dr. Sergei Ivanov, an oncologist, stated that gastrointestinal cancers are among the most common types of cancer in the world.
According to him, stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer, and cancers of the pancreas, small intestine, and colon are also prevalent. However, the problem lies in the fact that these cancers are often discovered at a late stage.
Dr. Ivanov says, "The problem is that most people rely on obvious symptoms, but in the case of gastrointestinal tumors, these symptoms usually only appear in the advanced stages of the disease."
However, there are some signs that both patients and doctors may notice, including:
Iron deficiency anemia , which may sometimes be the only symptom in the early stages, is often confused by patients with general fatigue.
Chest pain or mild pain in the upper abdomen , especially after eating, along with heartburn, may indicate stomach or pancreatic tumors.
Recurrent abdominal pain , accompanied by changes in bowel habits.
Difficulty swallowing and pain that extends to the back are common in cases of esophageal cancer, and these symptoms often appear when the tumor has grown significantly.
General symptoms include a slight and persistent increase in body temperature (up to 37.3°C), general weakness, weight loss, and signs of poisoning such as headaches.
He explained that the onset of symptoms largely depends on the type of cancer and its location. For example, in the case of colorectal cancer, the speed at which symptoms appear varies depending on the tumor's location; symptoms tend to appear in the right colon in later stages of the disease, while they appear earlier in the left colon. Therefore, sensation or symptoms alone cannot be relied upon, as most cases are discovered during medical examinations.
Ivanov emphasized that early diagnosis enhances treatment effectiveness, increases the chances of recovery, allows for a wider range of treatment options, and simplifies the treatment process. Therefore, he stressed the importance of regular checkups, especially for individuals with stomach or intestinal problems, a genetic predisposition, or chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are among the most accurate methods for the early detection of gastrointestinal cancers.
The fecal occult blood test is recommended to be performed every two years after the age of forty, and then annually after the age of sixty-five.
