Most of us are used to going to the doctor when something feels off, an upset stomach that won’t go away, weight loss without reason, or ongoing fatigue. But when it comes to gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, waiting until symptoms show up can be a serious mistake. These cancers, which affect organs like the stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, and oesophagus, often grow silently in the early stages. That’s exactly why screening matters, even when you’re feeling perfectly healthy.
The Silent Nature of GI Cancers
One of the biggest challenges with GI cancers is that they often don’t cause noticeable symptoms until they’ve progressed. By the time someone experiences persistent discomfort, bleeding, or other red flags, the cancer may already be in a more advanced, and harder to treat, stage.
Early-stage GI cancers, on the other hand, can often be treated more effectively. In some cases, they can be removed before they even turn into cancer (for example, precancerous polyps found during colonoscopies). That’s the power of screening: it catches problems before they become dangerous.
Who Should Get Screened?
You might think GI cancer screening is only for older adults or people with a strong family history. While those are important risk factors, anyone over the age of 45 should begin routine screening for colorectal cancer, even without symptoms. The age may be even lower for people with certain genetic conditions, a family history of GI cancers, or a personal history of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
But what if you feel fine? That’s the best time to get screened. Preventive healthcare is most effective before problems arise. Think of it like maintaining a car: you don’t wait for the engine to break down before getting an oil change.
What Screening Involves
Many people avoid screening out of fear, discomfort, or embarrassment. But today’s screening tools are more patient-friendly than ever before.
Here are a few of the most common options:
- Colonoscopy: This procedure checks the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer. It’s done under light sedation, and most people don’t remember it. It only needs to be repeated every 10 years if no issues are found.
- Stool tests: These are non-invasive, at-home screening options that look for hidden blood or abnormal DNA markers in your stool. Tests like the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) or stool DNA test (such as Cologuard) can indicate whether further testing is needed.
- Upper endoscopy: This procedure uses a thin tube with a camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It’s typically recommended if you have ongoing symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or upper abdominal pain, especially if there are concerns about gastric or oesophageal cancer.
- Imaging tests: Advanced imaging tools like CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound are sometimes used to screen for cancers of the liver, pancreas, or other abdominal organs, particularly in high-risk individuals. These tests can help detect tumours early, even before symptoms develop.
A visit to a trusted gastroenterology clinic can help determine the best approach based on your age, family history, lifestyle, and any existing conditions.
The Role of Lifestyle in GI Cancer Risk
Screening is just one part of the equation. The risk of GI cancers is also influenced by lifestyle factors, including:
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Diets high in processed or red meats
- Low fibre intake
- Obesity
- Chronic conditions like GERD or fatty liver disease
Managing these factors through healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress reduction can significantly lower your risk. But even with a healthy lifestyle, screening remains essential, because cancer doesn’t always follow the rules.
Why Early Screening Saves Lives
The statistics are clear: screening saves lives. Colon cancer, for example, is one of the most preventable types of cancer because of how slowly it develops. A polyp found during a routine colonoscopy can be removed on the spot, long before it becomes cancerous.
Stomach and oesophageal cancers, though less common, also benefit from early detection. When caught early, treatment options are less invasive, and survival rates are significantly higher. Liver and pancreatic cancers, while more challenging, are also better managed when diagnosed in early stages through imaging or blood marker tests.
Early diagnosis also means fewer complications and better outcomes. It allows people to return to normal life more quickly, without the physical, emotional, or financial toll of fighting late-stage cancer.
Gastroenterologists, such as Dr Fernandes Mark Lee, play an important role in this process by helping patients identify their risks, choose the right screening tests, and take preventive action even before symptoms appear.
Trust and Awareness Make a Difference
Many people skip screening because they don’t know where to start. Others delay it out of fear of what they might find. That’s where patient education and accessible care come in. A growing number of clinics now emphasise the importance of preventive screening as part of routine adult care.
At clinics where patients receive step-by-step guidance, from preparation to follow-up, screening becomes a much more comfortable experience. Visit gastroenterologists like Dr Mark Lee for early screening and to take control of your digestive health.
Regular checkups and timely screenings, even when there are no obvious symptoms, continue to play a major role in preventing advanced-stage GI cancers. With support from trusted gastroenterology professionals, more people are recognising the value of staying one step ahead of potential health issues.
Conclusion
You don’t need to feel sick to be at risk. GI cancers can develop quietly, but screening lets you take control of your health before anything becomes serious. If you’re over 45, have a family history of digestive cancers, or have existing digestive issues, even mild ones, talk to a gastroenterologist.
A routine colonoscopy or simple stool test might feel like a hassle today, but it could save your life tomorrow. And the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re in the clear? That’s priceless.
