Gastrointestinal cancer is a term that encompasses several types of cancers that affect the digestive system, including the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and liver. According to the World Health Organization, gastrointestinal cancers are among the most common and deadly cancers worldwide.
Read more about gastrointestinal care you can trust when it comes to gastrointestinal cancer and related conditions on this page: https://gastrohealth.com.sg/condition/gastrointestinal-cancer/.
Now, gastrointestinal cancer can be influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle choices. In this article, we dive into the primary causes and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal cancer. Keep reading!
What is Gastrointestinal Cancer
Cancers are scary so if you suspect that you could be at risk, one of the questions that may naturally cross your mind is; what is gastrointestinal cancer? Here’s the answer;
Gastrointestinal cancer refers to malignant tumors that form in the digestive system, which includes organs such as the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and liver. These cancers develop when cells in these organs begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
There are several types of gastrointestinal cancer, each named for the organ it affects. For instance, stomach cancer originates in the stomach lining.
And, colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum. Despite the differences in location, the underlying mechanisms of GI cancer development often involve genetic mutations, environmental factors, and lifestyle influences.
What are the Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Cancer?
As you probably already understand, some people are more at risk of getting some diseases than others. The same applies to gastrointestinal cancer which explains why many people frequently ask, what are the risk factors of gastrointestinal cancer?
Now, there are several risk factors for gastrointestinal cancer. However, the most notable ones include genetics, lifestyle, environment, existing medical conditions as well as age and gender. Here’s what you need to know about these risk factors of gastrointestinal cancer;
● Genetic Factors
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of gastrointestinal cancer. Individuals with a family history of these cancers are at a higher risk.
Specific hereditary syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), significantly increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. These syndromes are caused by inherited mutations in genes that normally help repair DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
● Lifestyle Factors
Your choice of lifestyle can also significantly influence your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer. Key factors include;
- Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats, and fried foods and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is linked to a higher risk of GI cancers. Processed meats contain nitrates and nitrites, which can form cancer-causing compounds in the body. Diets lacking in fiber can also contribute to colorectal cancer.
- Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of various cancers, including GI cancers. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improves digestion, and reduces inflammation, which can lower cancer risk.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake is a significant risk factor for GI cancers, particularly those of the esophagus, stomach, liver, and colon. Alcohol can irritate the lining of the digestive tract and lead to inflammation, which can increase cancer risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use is strongly associated with several GI cancers, including esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. Smoking introduces carcinogens directly into the digestive tract and bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of mutations and cancer development.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a well-established risk factor for GI cancers, including those of the esophagus, pancreas, liver, and colon. Excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and changes in hormone levels, all of which can promote cancer growth.
● Environmental Factors
Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins can increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer. For example, people who work in industries with high exposure to asbestos, pesticides, and industrial solvents have a higher likelihood of developing these cancers.
That is the same case with areas that experience high levels of environmental pollution. People living in such areas may see higher incidences of gastrointestinal cancers.
● Medical Conditions
Existing medical conditions can sometimes be a significant risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer. These conditions often create an environment in the digestive tract that promotes the development of cancerous cells. Here are some ways existing medical conditions can increase the risk of GI cancer:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation in the GI tract, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The longer a person has IBD, the greater their risk.
- Gastritis and Helicobacter pylori Infection: Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by H. pylori infection, can lead to gastric cancer. The bacteria induce changes in the stomach lining, increasing cancer risk over time.
- Obesity: Excess body weight is associated with several types of GI cancer, including colorectal, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers. Obesity can cause chronic inflammation and hormonal changes that may promote cancer development.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. High insulin levels and chronic inflammation related to diabetes can contribute to cancer risk.
- Hepatitis B and C: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These viruses cause long-term inflammation and damage to liver cells, increasing cancer risk.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition, often associated with obesity and diabetes, can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis, raising the risk of liver cancer.
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): This inherited condition causes hundreds to thousands of polyps to form in the colon and rectum, leading to a near 100% risk of colorectal cancer if untreated.
- Lynch Syndrome: Another genetic disorder, Lynch syndrome, increases the risk of several cancers, particularly colorectal and endometrial cancers. It results from inherited mutations that impair DNA repair mechanisms.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: Chronic GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the esophageal lining changes and becomes similar to the intestinal lining. This change increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often due to excessive alcohol consumption or gallstones, can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis can cause cellular damage and promote cancerous changes.
● Age and Gender
The risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer increases with age, as the cumulative effect of risk factors and genetic mutations over time can lead to cancer. Men are generally at a higher risk than women for most types of gastrointestinal cancer. The reasons for this gender disparity are not entirely understood.
It’s a Wrap
Gastrointestinal cancer is a serious health concern with various causes and risk factors. Staying informed and proactive about your health is the best defense against this group of cancers.
If you experience any concerning symptoms, seek medical advice promptly to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. If you’re in Singapore and ready to schedule an appointment with a specialist, call or visit us at;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block,
Singapore 258500
+65 6355 5773