Treating gastrointestinal cancers
Colon, Rectum, Stomach, Liver, Pancreas
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the U.S. Colon cancer affects nearly 103,000 people every year; rectal cancer impacts about 40,000. Early detection is important because screening can help physicians find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. To stop colon and rectal cancer before it starts, the American Cancer Society recommends that you begin colorectal screenings at age 50. If you have a parent or sibling who has had colon cancer, ask your doctor about starting this screening earlier.
When should you call your doctor?
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Stools that change significantly in size and color
- Change in your bowel movements, especially constipation and diarrhea
- Pain in your lower abdomen that doesn’t go away or that comes back often
- A feeling of discomfort or urge to move your bowels when there is no stool present
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer (often called gastric cancer) is difficult to detect and therefore a common cause of cancer death. More than 21,000 individuals are diagnosed with stomach cancer in the U.S. every year. There are several kinds of stomach cancer, the most common of which is adenocarcinoma. This cancer starts in cells of the inner layer of the stomach.
When should you call your doctor?
These may be signs of non-serious conditions, but may also be signs of stomach cancer.
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn
Liver cancer
Liver cancer affects more than 28,000 individuals in the U.S. The liver has three primary functions. It filters your blood, helps you digest food and stores sugar for energy. Like many other cancers, early detection will help to improve your chances of making a full recovery.
When should you call your doctor?
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- A lump just below your right rib cage
- Pain in your upper abdomen on the right side
- Weight loss for no reason
- Fatigue
- Nausea or loss of appetite
Pancreatic cancer
The pancreas is a gland located behind your stomach. It helps in your digestion of food and produces insulin to help your body control blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, it is difficult to diagnose pancreatic cancer in the early stages. More than 45,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year.
When should you call your doctor?
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Pain in the middle or upper part of your abdomen or back
- Weight loss for no reason or loss of appetite
- Fatigue
For more information
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 612-672-7272.
Gastrointestinal cancer care team
Hematology/Oncology
Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Surgical Oncology
Our Providers Make the Difference
Fairview features nearly 4,000 providers practicing at over 200 locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and beyond. Fairview Clinics, University of Minnesota Physicians and our independent partner clinics provide an exceptional care experience, while lowering the overall costs of health care.
Learn more about services offered at these locations:
- Cancer Services at Fairview Lakes Medical Center
- Cancer Services at Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center
- Cancer Services at Fairview Northland Medical Center
- Cancer Services at Fairview Ridges Hospital
- Cancer Services at Fairview Southdale Hospital
- Cancer Services at University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital
- Cancer Services at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
Locations by city:
Burnsville
Edina
Maple Grove
Minneapolis
Princeton
Wyoming
Our Providers Make the Difference
Fairview features nearly 4,000 providers practicing at over 200 locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and beyond. Fairview Clinics, University of Minnesota Physicians and our independent partner clinics provide an exceptional care experience, while lowering the overall costs of health care.
Helpful articles on gastrointestinal cancers
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal Surgery: Recovering in the Hospital and at Home
Common Tests for Liver Disease
Recovering from Colorectal Surgery
Staging Colorectal Cancer
Understanding Colon and Rectal Polyps
What Is a Colostomy?
What Is Colon and Rectal Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)?
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
What Is Stomach (Gastric) Cancer?
