Alfred Health
Our service provides comprehensive care for people affected by upper gastrointestinal cancers from diagnosis and treatment, through to follow-up care. Our expert team provides coordinated and personalised care to meet the needs of our patients.
The upper gastrointestinal system consists of several organs including the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder. Cancers can affect any of these organs and the different function of these organs means the symptoms and treatment options are diverse.
Symptoms of upper gastrointestinal cancers can include poor appetite and weight loss, nausea and vomiting, pain, bleeding, fatigue and jaundice (yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes), amongst others. Risk factors may include a family history of cancer, smoking, alcohol, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), certain infections and cirrhosis of the liver.
Treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancers may include surgery, drug therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy), radiotherapy and interventional radiology.
Visit the Cancer Council website to learn more about the specific and various types of upper gastrointestinal cancer.
The Alfred Upper Gastrointestinal Service includes a team of experienced:
Patient cases are discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings to determine the best treatment for each patient and achieve the best possible outcomes. Our patients have access to cutting edge technologies and treatments, as well as clinical trials designed to find new and improved cancer treatments.
World-class cancer treatment, care and compassion for the people of Melbourne and Victoria.
Working together to provide comprehensive patient centred, quality care through investment, research and innovation.
Health professional information