Upper gastrointestinal cancers

About Upper gastrointestinal cancers

The upper gastrointestinal system consists of several organs including the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder. Cancers can affect any of these organs and the different function of these organs means the symptoms and treatment options are diverse.

Symptoms of upper gastrointestinal cancers can include poor appetite and weight loss, nausea and vomiting, pain, bleeding, fatigue and jaundice (yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes), amongst others. Risk factors may include a family history of cancer, smoking, alcohol, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), certain infections and cirrhosis of the liver. Treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancers may include surgery, drug therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy), radiotherapy and interventional radiology.

Visit the Cancer Council website to learn more about the specific and various types of upper gastrointestinal cancer.

Our Service

The Alfred Upper Gastrointestinal Service includes a team of experienced:

• Medical and radiation oncologists
• Surgeons
• Radiologists
• Pathologists
• Palliative care specialists
• Cancer support nurses
• Allied health specialists (dietitians, physiotherapists and psychologists)

Patient cases are discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings to determine the best treatment for each patient and achieve the best possible outcomes. Our patients have access to cutting edge technologies and treatments, as well as clinical trials designed to find new and improved cancer treatments.

For more information

• Cancer Council Victoria – information, resources and support services
• Pancare Foundation – information and support for people with liver cancer
• Beyond Blue – support for anxiety and depression
• WeCan – cancer supportive care services