Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and digestive cancers make up a large proportion of the common cancers. We spoke to DR MELVIN LOOK of Pan Asia Surgery about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of digestive cancers.

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What are digestive cancers and what causes them?
The digestive system is made up of a system of hollow tubes (the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, appendix, colon, rectum and anus) and a few solid organs (such as the pancreas, liver and gallbladder). Cancer may occur anywhere, but the risk is highest in the colon, rectum, stomach and liver.

Like most cancers, there is usually a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Some are unchangeable, such as your genes and your age, but others, including dietary and lifestyle factors, can be modified. Salted, smoked and preserved foods contain chemicals called nitrosamines that can be carcinogenic for the stomach. A diet high in animal meat and fat is linked with colorectal cancer. Cigarette smoking is strongly associated with oesophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancer. Similarly, alcohol is linked with liver and pancreatic cancer.
 
Are certain people more at risk?
Genes play a big part in cancer. Caucasians have a higher risk of colorectal cancer, while Asians have a higher risk of stomach cancer. Someone with a family history of cancer is at higher risk than the average person. You should be tested if more than one or two of your relatives have had cancer; there are preventive measures that can be taken.

The risk of most digestive cancers increases markedly after the age of 50; we advise screening when you reach that age. Certain medical conditions, such as hepatitis, chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease, are also associated with cancer. A cancer surveillance programme is usually advised for these patients.
 
What happens if you contract any of these cancers? Are they operable?
Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for most digestive cancers. The chance of a complete cure is very good if the cancer is detected at an early stage. That’s why looking for cancers at an early stage is such an effective strategy.

Indigestion, abdominal discomfort, blood in the stools or a change in bowel habits can be early symptoms of cancer. However, the most effective method of catching a cancer early is routinely screening the colon and stomach using a flexible telescope in procedures called gastroscopy and colonoscopy. These are safe, comfortable procedures that can be done under a little sedation in 10 to 20 minutes.
 
What’s the best way to prevent these cancers?
Avoid smoking, alcohol and obesity. Reduce the intake of preserved foods, processed red meat and animal fat. Lots of fresh food, fruit and fibre seems to be protective. A nutritious diet, together with adequate exercise and controlling body fat can prevent 45 percent of colorectal cancers.

Digestive cancer screening is the best way of preventing cancer. Most cancers go through a long process of pre-malignant changes before cancer develops. Treating the problem at the pre-malignant stage can actually prevent the cancer from forming. After a normal colonoscopy you would only need to repeat the test every 5 to 10 years. A minor inconvenience for something potentially lifesaving! 


Pan Asia Surgery is at #11-13/14/15 Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth.
Call +65 6737 8538 or visit www.gutliverlap.com.