Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are those that affect the digestive system. They include bile duct cancer, stomach (gastric) cancer, gallbladder cancer, neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), pancreatic cancer, oesophageal cancer and bowel cancers.¹ Bowel cancer most commonly refers to cancer of the large bowel (colon and rectum), also known as colorectal cancer.²

GI cancers can arise in any part of the digestive tract, and while each type has its own characteristics, they often share common risk factors, such as age, lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions.³ Many GI cancers develop slowly over time and may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages, which is why people may not seek medical advice until the cancer is more advanced.⁴