Gastrointestinal medical oncology treats cancers of the food pipe, stomach, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, small bowel, colon and rectum. Symptoms depend on the organ and include difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion, vomiting, blood in the stools, a change in bowel habit, jaundice, abdominal pain and weight loss.

Diagnosis uses endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging, blood tests and biopsy. For many digestive cancers, surgery offers the best chance of cure, and chemotherapy before or after it helps lower the risk of recurrence. In rectal cancer, chemotherapy is often given with radiotherapy.

Nutrition needs close attention. Many patients lose weight, so dietary support and sometimes feeding measures are part of treatment.

Gastrointestinal medical oncology services at Apex include:

• Colon and Rectal Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy after surgery, or combined with radiotherapy for rectal cancer, with regular blood tests and scans to track response.
• Stomach and Food Pipe Cancer Treatment: Drug regimens planned with surgery and radiotherapy, along with measures to maintain nutrition and swallowing.
• Liver, Bile Duct and Pancreatic Cancer Care: Chemotherapy and supportive treatment for these complex cancers, including relief from jaundice and pain.
• Nutrition and Digestive Support: Dietitian review, advice on small frequent meals and medicines to control nausea, diarrhoea or poor appetite during treatment.