World Digestive Health Day (WDHD)

Early Diagnosis and Treatment of GI Cancer

Around the world, cancers related to the digestive system, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and oesophageal cancer (squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma), collectively known as GI Cancers are amongst the 10 most common malignant diseases. Putting the figures together, GI Cancers constitute more than 25% of all cancer incidences globally.

Unlike many other malignant diseases, however, GI Cancers are preventable if proper measures are taken and also treatable when diagnosed early before the advanced stages are reached. There is good evidence to show that treatment of H. pylori infection, screening for colorectal cancers using stool test and / or colonoscopy, and surveillance of the oesophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus can lead to reduced incidence and improved outcomes for these conditions.

It is because of these encouraging results that the WGO has launched a year-round program in support of World Digestive Health Day 2019 focusing on GI Cancers. A group of experts from five continents around the world will summarize the latest scientific evidence in support of cancer prevention strategies, efficacy of cancer screening, and recent advances in cancer treatment to inform the general public and family physicians around the world. We will join hands to promulgate this knowledge and relevant guidelines through news and media programs, publications, social media, and supporting regional health programs.

Let us join together to fight the most common gastrointestinal cancers which threaten the lives of so many of the global population. Continue Reading