When you or a loved one receives a gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis, our experts can help. Our multidisciplinary team with board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians work together through our tumor boards to create a personalized treatment plan for your cancer.
What is Gastrointestinal Cancer?
Gastrointestinal cancer, also known as GI cancer, is cancer that begins in the digestive tract. Your digestive system begins at the tube carrying chewed food to the stomach (esophagus) and ends where you eliminate waste (anus). Cancer can occur in any of the organs within the GI tract.
Gastrointestinal Cancer We Treat
Our cancer specialists design personalized treatment plans for all GI cancer types, including:
Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer symptoms vary depending on where cancer occurs. Some people experience:
- Appetite changes
- Bloating
- Bowel changes or bloody bowel movements
- Difficulty swallowing
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
Our cancer experts diagnose gastrointestinal cancer with different tests, depending on the symptoms you're experiencing. We start with a physical examination and talk with you about your health history. After your exam, we might recommend:
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Imaging tests
Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatments and Research
Your care team works together to design a personalized treatment plan for gastrointestinal cancer. We use a range of cancer treatments to develop the right care plan for you.
Depending on cancer type, we may recommend:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
- Transplant
Our experts and partners also research new ways to treat cancer. Please read about our work at Sentara Health Research Center.
Support During Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment
We offer cancer support services to help you and your loved ones during and after treatment for GI cancer. We provide financial, scheduling and treatment assistance, along with classes, support groups and wellness programs.
Contact Us
Find a cancer specialist or call 1-888-220-2214 to learn more.