Gastrointestinal cancer

Common risk factors for GI cancers include having certain preexisting conditions, including:

• Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Familial syndromes (familial adenomatous polyposis)
• Gastric polyps
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, an infection in the stomach)
• Intestinal metaplasia (normal stomach lining replaces intestinal cells)
• Pernicious anemia

Additional risk factors include:

• Eating a high-salt diet
• Eating foods that have not been stored or prepared properly
• Having a family history of stomach cancer
• Smoking cigarettes
• Older men also tend to be at a higher risk for developing GI cancer. Our physicians work with patients with these risk factors to determine whether any symptoms of GI cancer are present.

Some of the most common symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer are:

• Bloated feeling after eating
• Buildup of fluid in abdomen
• Indigestion or stomach discomfort
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Our GI cancer specialists use several different methods to determine a GI cancer diagnosis, including minimally invasive exams and diagnostic imaging tests. These exams may include:

• Barium swallow
• Biopsy
• Blood tests
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Medical history and physical exam
• Upper endoscopy

GI cancer treatment

Our GI oncologists' main goal, when providing treatment, is to produce a positive outcome for you. With our many new, cutting-edge imaging technologies and cancer treatments, our specialists are able to help patients with GI cancers live longer and healthier lives.

We offer a wide range of treatments, including:

• Chemoembolization
• Chemotherapy
• Drug therapies
• Gastroenterology and hepatology treatments
• Interventional radiology
• Irreversible electroporation
• Partial and total gastrectomy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery for tumor removal

At our HCA HealthONE Swedish, you'll receive treatment at The Center for Diseases of the Liver & Pancreas. Our facility is one of the Rocky Mountain region’s leading centers for gastrointestinal cancer care, including for stomach cancer treatment.

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.