Why choose Geisinger for stomach and GI cancer care?
Whether you need minimally invasive surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat stomach cancer, we can help — right here in Pennsylvania.
From your first consultation through recovery and into survivorship, trust our team to handle the details.
Your care team will work with you to determine the right treatment for your needs. For example, your treatment may involve our MyCode® Community Health Initiative, which identifies inherited risks.
As you progress through treatment, you’ll have access to promising new therapies through national clinical trials. And throughout your journey, we’ll support your comfort, function and quality of life.
Treatments and services we offer
Related specialties
FAQs
What are the different types of GI cancer?
- Anal cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Colon cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Stomach cancer
What are some common symptoms of GI cancer?
In the early stages, GI cancer may not cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Blood in your stool
- Rectal or anal itching or bleeding
- Bloating, especially after eating
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Persistent fever
How is GI cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include:
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
- Endoscopy
- Ultrasound
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans and PET scans
What are the risk factors for GI cancer?
Certain behaviors, genetics and risk factors can increase your chances of developing gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. And while each type of GI cancer has slightly different risk factors, they share some as well. These include:
- Smoking. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for GI cancers.
- Exposure to H. pylori bacteria. This type of bacteria, found in contaminated water, can cause stomach ulcers, inflammation and increase risk.
- Chronic liver disease or hepatitis. Conditions such as hepatitis B and C can increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Family history. If you have a family member who’s been diagnosed with GI cancer or other genetic conditions, your risk may be higher.
- History of digestive diseases. Conditions such as colon polyps, diverticulosis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can increase risk.
- Age. Risk increases as you get older, with most people diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70.
Other risk factors include:
- Exposure to certain industrial chemicals
- Having the Epstein-Barr virus
- Excessive alcohol use
- Being overweight
- Eating a diet high in sodium or fatty meats
Stomach cancer care at Geisinger
Find specialists offering the wraparound stomach and GI cancer care you need — right in your neighborhood. When you come to Geisinger for cancer care, you’ll have access to:
- Multidisciplinary expertise: Surgeons and oncologists who build treatment plans just for you.
- Regional leadership and support: From nurse navigators to nutrition counseling and financial coordination, we provide the resources you need.
- Leading-edge clinical trials: Participating in a trial may help even if standard approaches haven’t worked.
- Genetic innovation: Programs like MyCode help detect hidden cancer risk. Sign up for MyCode.
- Lifelong survivorship: Our support continues after treatment to support your health during recovery.