Screening for Gastrointestinal cancer – The when and why?
Pace Hospitals
Unlike breast and cervical cancer routine screening is not mandatory for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. In the western world, entire population is screened for colon cancer once in 5 years. Likewise, in the far east countries like Japan screening for esophageal and stomach cancer is performed. However, in India the incidence of these cancers is much lower and there is no clear recommendation for routine population screening. Only selected groups of at risk individuals for some GI cancers need screening for that particular cancer. The screening frequency and modalities vary for individual cancers and are best decided by the gastroenterologist.
Oesophageal cancer
Patients with longstanding reflux disease and new onset difficulty in swallowing, patients with esophageal disease like esophgeal stricture, esophageal motility disorders need screening for esophgeal cancer. Chronic smokers and alcoholics are also at risk.
Gastric cancer
Patients with family history, Hpylori associated atrophic gastritis, prolonged reflux disease, elderly individuals with low haemoglobin, weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding and persistent upper abdominal pain need to be screened.
Pancreatic cancer
Patients with family history Patients with chronic pancreatitis especially alcoholic and hereditary chronic pancreatitis, Lynch syndrome. Patients with Jaundice and itching.
Intestinal cancer
Family history of intestinal cancer, patients with inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis/ crohns disease, Patients with gastrointestinal polyps. Patients with past history of radiation need screening. Patients with history of treated colon cancer are at risk of developing cancer at a new location
Liver cancer
Patients with chronic liver disease secondary to hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Alcohol, hemochromatosis is highly prone to developing liver cancer. Liver cirrhosis leads to cancer.Likewise, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) predisposes to cancer. All these patients need ultrasound and blood tests at 6 monthly intervals for early detection.
Gallbladder and biliary cancer
Some parts of Northern India like the cow belt region are endemic for Gallbladder cancer. Gallstones are associated with gall bladder cancer but a causative relation is not established. Patients with Liver stones (hepatolithiasis), repeated attacks of bile infection (cholangitis), bile duct anomalies such as bile duct cysts, narrowing (strictures ) and choedochal cyst are at risk for biliary cancer and should get treated with liver specialist.
GI CANCER - AT RISK FAMILIES
The following features (if more than 2) if present should make you consider going to a gastroenterologist for genetic testing and early screening for gastrointestinal cancer.
- GI or Gynaecological Cancer diagnosed at an unusually young age (less than 50)
- Cancer in two generations of family
- Cancer in 2 or more first / second degree relatives
- Developing more than 1 type of cancer (sometime / separately) in life time
- Cancer in index patient / first degree relative with proven genetic mutation
Dr. Phani Krishna Ravula
MS, MRCS (Edin), M.Ch (SGPGI), HPB Oncology Fellowship (Japan), Liver Transplant Fellowship (Leeds UK)
Surgical Gastroenterologist and Liver Transplant Surgeon
T: 8885095603
Share on
Request an appointment
Fill in the appointment form or call us instantly to book a confirmed appointment with our super specialist at 04048486868
Appointment request - health articles
Recent Articles
National Cancer Awareness Day 2025, observed on 7 November, promotes cancer awareness, early detection, prevention, and education to reduce risks and support a healthier community.
Join the PACE Hospitals Podcast with Dr. Snigda Panuganti to learn about the hidden signs of insulin resistance, fasting insulin testing, risk factors, and ways to improve metabolic health.
Learn how to prevent heart attacks naturally through lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and early screening. Know the warning signs, risk factors, and diagnostic tests for heart health.
Meet the Best Breast Cancer Specialists in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals for accurate diagnosis, expert care, and complete breast cancer treatment. Book your appointment today.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2025, observed in November, highlights the importance of early screening, prevention, and awareness to support men’s health and reduce cancer risks.
Discover the first signs of kidney problems — including early symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and when to see a nephrologist. Understand risk factors and ways to protect kidney health.
