Upper Digestive Cancer

Watch this video to learn more about cancers that affect the upper digestive system in the body.


Cancer can be found anywhere in the body, but upper digestive cancer is found in organs inside your body like the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. To learn more about these organs, click on the drop-down arrows.  

Esophagus

A tube that connects the throat to the stomach, helping food reach the stomach. 

graphical drawing of the human esophagus

 

Stomach

A muscular organ that breaks down food using digestive juices. 

graphical drawing of a human stomach inside the body.
Gallbladder

A small organ beneath the liver that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats.

graphical drawing of the gall bladder inside the body.
Pancreas

A gland located behind the stomach that helps digest food and controls blood sugar.

graphical drawing of the pancreas inside the body
Bile Ducts

Small tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestines.

graphical drawing of the bile ducts organs inside the body
man with long brown hair in a blue shirt and pants with his organs inside him highlighted.

Common Symptoms

  • Difficulty swallowing: food getting stuck in your throat or chest
  • Unexplained weight loss: losing weight without trying
  • Persistent abdominal pain: persistent or worsening pain in your stomach area
  • Unexplained fatigue: feeling very tired all the time with no obvious reason
  • Nausea or vomiting: feeling sick or throwing up
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes: jaundice, which may indicate a problem with the liver or gallbladder
  • Dark urine or light-coloured stools
  • Loss of appetite: not feeling hungry
  • Worsening heartburn or indigestion despite taking medication that doesn’t go away
     

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risk factors for upper digestive cancer?
  • Risk increases with age and if you have a personal or family history of cancer.
  • Smoking, obesity, alcohol, and eating processed foods
  • Exposure to certain chemicals.
  • Some cancers have specific risks: for example, diabetes can increase the chance of pancreatic cancer, and stomach infections like Helicobacter pylori can lead to stomach cancer.
Are people with upper gastrointestinal cancer usually diagnosed early?

Unfortunately, most people are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, making them ineligible for surgery.

What diagnostic tests are used for upper gastrointestinal cancers?

Diagnostic tests include ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT scans), and endoscopy.

Does location affect the diagnosis of upper digestive cancer?

Yes, people in small towns or rural areas may experience delays in diagnosis.

Why seek medical attention early?
  • You may get more treatment options.
  • You have a higher chance of living longer.
  • Your quality of life may improve.
How can health-care providers help?
  • Tests: Your doctor may suggest tests like blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, or endoscopy (looking inside your stomach with a camera) to find out if you have cancer.
  • Treatment: If cancer is diagnosed early, surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments may be recommended.
  • Support: A nurse navigator can guide you through the healthcare system, answer questions and assist you along with your health care team.
Ways to lower your risk
  • Quit smoking and avoid using tobacco products.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and stay active.
  • Get regular check-ups, especially if you have risk factors like family history or digestive issues.
graphical images of exercise, no smoking, less drinking and eating healthy
Additional Resources