There are six types of upper gastrointestinal cancers:
BILE DUCT CANCER
Bile is needed for breaking down fats as we digest food. Our bile ducts carry bile from the liver and gall bladder through the pancreas to the small intestine. Cancer of the bile duct will often block the flow of bile into the digestive system, which results in bile building up in the blood and bodily tissues.
Symptoms can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowness in the whites of the eyes)
- Dark yellow urine
GALL BLADDER CANCER
The gall bladder is responsible for storing bile from the liver before it’s passed into the small intestine to aid digestion of food. There are several types of gall bladder cancer, each named according to the cell that’s affected. Risk factors include smoking, work in the metal or rubber industries, or family history.
Symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Pale stools
- Itchy skin
- Sudden weight loss
LIVER CANCER
Primary liver cancer is a malignant tumour that forms in the liver. The biggest cause of liver cancer is Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, however obesity, high alcohol consumption, and diabetes can also increase your risk. Over 1,400 Australians are diagnosed with primary liver cancer each year.
Symptoms can include:
- Decrease in appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and/or swelling
- Extreme weakness or fatigue
OESOPHAGEAL CANCER
In Australia, oesophageal cancer is most commonly found in the lower section of the oesophagus, where it adjoins the stomach. Risk factors for developing this cancer include high alcohol consumption, obesity, drinking very hot liquids, family history, and smoking.
Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty swallowing (this is the most common symptom)
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in your throat
- A chronic cough
PANCREATIC CANCER
It’s estimated that 3,271 Australians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. It currently carries a 1 in 71 diagnosis risk for the average Australian. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is usually not diagnosed until it’s at an advanced stage. As such, it has a low survival rate.
Symptoms can include:
- Jaundice (yellow in the whites of the eyes)
- Significant and unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
STOMACH CANCER
Also known as gastric cancer, stomach cancer can develop in any area of the stomach. However, it commonly starts in the lining (mucosa) in the upper part of the stomach. Over 2,000 Australians are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year, usually in people aged 60 years or older.
Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloody and/or black looking stools
- Anaemia
- Bloating and continuous indigestion