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Gastrointestinal Cancer

Representing a community of more than 28,000 practitioners and 2,100 programs and practices across the United States, ACCC has the unique ability to promote quality care for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. By offering the latest education, resources, and support to our partners, we can work together to improve patient outcomes and address care disparities for those diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer.

Gastrointestinal cancers can develop anywhere in the digestive tract. The five most common types of gastrointestinal cancer are colorectal, stomach (gastric), liver, esophageal, and pancreatic. Less common are colon, gallbladder, rectal, small intestine, anal, and bile duct cancers. Treatments, which are most effective when cancer is detected early, may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

People who smoke, heavily consume alcohol, or have unhealthy diets are at higher risk for developing gastrointestinal cancers.

Colorectal cancer represents 8.3 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. In 2016, there were an estimated 1,324,922 people in the U.S. living with colorectal cancer.

Liver cancer, which includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally, responsible for more than 700,000 deaths worldwide each year.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Resources

From Oncology Issues

Building Multidisciplinary Care Capacity for People Impacted by Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This ACCC multi-year program supported multidisciplinary providers in the care of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Time to Get Screened
By Amanda Patton

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact in the rate of cancer screening across various states in the United States. Louisiana, Delaware, Kentucky and Northern Michigan serve as vehicles for an analysis of the disparity in cancer screening rates, before and after the pandemic.
A Digital Population Tracking System Helps Improve Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Services
Raymond Liu, MD, et al.

An integrated precision tracking program ensures proper follow-up care and surveillance for survivors of colorectal cancer.
Making the Case for an HIV Oncology Clinic
By Marco A. Ruiz, MD

Though the incidence of AIDS-defining cancers has decreased with the use of antiretroviral therapy, numerous studies suggest that non-AIDS-defining cancers (cancers not previously associated with HIV and AIDS) appear to be increasing in incidence.