Upper GI Cancers Now Lead Cause of Cancer Deaths in Australia, Overpassing Lung Cancer

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers have surpassed lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, according to new research. These cancers, affecting organs such as the pancreas, liver, stomach, esophagus, gallbladder, and bile ducts, are now responsible for one death every 57 minutes. This alarming statistic has led experts to urge the public to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention for persistent warning signs.

Recent findings released by the Pancare Foundation reveal that upper GI cancers have overtaken lung cancers when assessed using Cancer Australia's tumor groupings. Despite this grim reality, a national survey indicated that only two percent of Australians are aware of the scale of the problem. The increasing mortality rates are largely attributed to a rise in deaths from pancreatic and liver cancers, which have doubled and tripled respectively over the past two decades.

Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis

Upper GI cancers are particularly challenging to detect in their early stages, as symptoms can be vague, absent, or mistaken for less serious conditions. Warning signs that individuals should not ignore include persistent heartburn or indigestion, ongoing stomach or back pain, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), changes in appetite, and unusual fatigue. Experts emphasize that while these symptoms do not automatically indicate cancer, they warrant medical investigation if they persist, worsen, or cannot be explained, especially when occurring in combination.

Eva Casey, a 36-year-old dental assistant, shared her experience of being diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer after a seven-month ordeal where her symptoms were repeatedly dismissed. Initially experiencing sharp pain beneath her right ribcage, Casey lost 16kg, became exhausted, and struggled to eat. Despite visiting multiple healthcare professionals, her concerns were often attributed to psychological issues or eating disorders. By the time of her diagnosis in August 2023, she weighed just 39kg. Casey is now in remission but has become a vocal advocate for recognizing persistent symptoms.

"I just want to say if you think something is wrong then push, make them do the tests," Casey urged, recounting how her pain specialist questioned why her weight loss and pain had not been taken more seriously by other doctors who suspected anorexia.

Call for Increased Awareness and Research

The report, which analyzed two decades of Australian cancer mortality data and a national survey, highlighted that upper GI cancers account for nearly one in five cancer deaths in Australia. However, these diseases receive less than one-tenth of cancer research funding. Dr. Mark Buzza, Pancare Foundation's Head of Research, Innovation and Advocacy, stated that this disparity exposes a significant gap between public understanding and the number of people affected, calling it a "national public health emergency."

Survival rates for upper GI cancers are among the lowest in Australia, partly due to the difficulty in early detection. Unlike some other cancers, there are no routine population-wide screening programs for upper GI cancers, making public awareness of persistent symptoms crucial. The Pancare Foundation is actively working to raise awareness and funds through initiatives like its "Unite for Hope" campaign, aiming to support those affected and remember the approximately 25 Australians who die from these cancers daily. They encourage individuals to consult their GP for any unexplained changes in their health and to seek further investigation if symptoms do not improve.