Dr Neeraj Chaudhary
Gastrointestinal cancers impact the GI
tract and the digestive system including Esophagus, stomach, small and large
intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, etc. These cancers can originate from
any organ in the abdomen as ulcers or masses and can metastasize to the other
parts in no time if go unnoticed. While timely diagnosis increases the chances
of better treatment and prolonged survival of the patient, delayed treatment
impacts the outcome of the treatment and may also have adverse consequences on
the quality of life. The rise in cases also show the low level of awareness due
to which early detection isn’t possible.
From the past few years, the incidences of gastrointestinal and HPB cancer cases have been rising at an exponential rate in our country, particularly due to the lack of awareness associated with the subject. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment have significant importance in preventing mortality from such diseases. On the other hand, the rapidly growing advancements in the field of science and technology, newer treatment options like minimally invasive GI surgeries, Laparoscopic surgeries and Robotic surgeries have completely changed the face of cancer treatment at a greater scale. Minimal invasive GI surgeries have become a great addition to the field as they provide an innovative approach in the treatment of cancer while ensuring minimal blood loss, quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays.
Recent data shows that developing countries
are facing a sharp increase in cancer incidence. But at the same time, there
have been numerous advancements in cancer care. However, the majority of our
population is not able to avail of the benefits of these developments due to a
sheer lack of knowledge and myths associated with the subject.
One of the biggest reasons for the rise in
such cases is lack of awareness among the general public about the early signs
and symptoms which leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment causing poor
prognosis. Poorlifestyle choices including unhealthy dietary intake with
dependence on junk food, along with binge alcoholism and erratic sleep patterns
are some of the major known causes of the exponential rise in such cases. Early
and prompt treatment can help preventthe rise in GI diseases.
As per the recent data provided by Globocan
2020, GI cancers account for around 20% of all the cancer cases registered that
year, amounting to 2,55,715 new cases with a mortality rate of 2,10,438 (24% of
all cancer-related). While stomach cancer remains the leading cause of
mortality and morbidity among all the other GI Cancers, colorectal cancers were
seen profoundly in both genders accounting for at least 31646 new cases
(12.3%), following oesophageal cancer. The data also suggests that males were
highly susceptible to oesophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancers with a total
of 1,21,277 new cases registered.
With the advancement of technologies,
minimal access to cancer surgeries has also become commonplace. Experts can
adequately resect difficult tumorsincluding colon cancers, stomach cancer,
including liver metastases which suggest a late-stage disease, with minimal
incisions or even laparoscopically, in certain cases. Minimally invasive
surgeries have numerous advantages for patients in comparison to traditional
surgeries including minimal scars, faster recovery, reduced pain, shorter
duration of hospital stays, and lesser post-surgery complications.
Thepreference for Robotic Surgery has increased after the pandemic since it
reduces hospital stay and post-surgical complications.
People still need to be aware that with
recent advancements in oncology, cancer is completely treatable. And early
diagnosis can, not significantly increase the chances of survival, but also
provide a better quality of life.