Episode 555: MJA Podcasts 2024 Episode 14: what doctors need to know about gastric and oesophageal cancer
Apr 28, 2024
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Dr. Ashraf Tokhi, a general and upper gastrointestinal surgeon, discusses the rising occurrence of gastric and esophageal cancers in Australia. The podcast covers diagnostic challenges faced by GPs, red flag symptoms for referrals, advancements in treatments over the years, and compares cancer care approaches in Australia and the UK.
Early referral for endoscopy is vital when red flags are present.
Multimodal treatments involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery show promising results.
Deep dives
Prevalence and Concerns Regarding Gastric and Esophageal Cancers
Gastric and esophageal cancers are less common but still of significant concern in Australia. In 2022, there were around 1700 diagnoses of esophageal cancer and 2500 of gastric cancer. Even though not as prevalent as breast or colon cancers, these upper GI cancers affect a notable portion of the population. The vagueness of initial symptoms poses challenges for early detection, making awareness crucial.
Challenges in Primary Care Diagnosis
Diagnosing gastric and esophageal cancers in primary care is challenging due to their nonspecific symptoms. Red flag symptoms like dysphagia and persistent upper abdominal pain should raise concerns. Without routine screening tools, thorough history-taking plays a key role in identifying high-risk patients. Early referral for endoscopy is vital when red flags are present.
Advances in Treatment and Patient Care
Progress in diagnosing and treating esophageal and gastric cancers has improved outcomes. Early symptom recognition and access to endoscopy have enhanced survival rates. Multimodal treatments involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery show promising results. Emphasis on multidisciplinary care, including specialized dietary support and nurse specialists, enhances overall patient management and quality of life.