Trusted Care for Gastrointestinal Cancer on the Central Coast
Gastrointestinal cancer can affect a number of organs found in your digestive tract. While health experts do not completely understand gastrointestinal cancer causes, lifestyle factors play an important role.
Since it is nearly impossible for your doctor to feel a tumor in your organs, screening tests can help detect colon and rectal cancer in the early, very treatable stages.
Dignity Health Central Coast’s oncology services provide care for your physical, mental, and spiritual needs if you have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Find a Doctor for information about gastrointestinal cancer symptoms on the Central Coast of California.
Recognizing Gastrointestinal Symptoms at Dignity Health Central Coast
Since gastrointestinal cancer can affect any organ in your digestive tract, symptoms usually appear when you are diagnosed by a doctor.
These physical signs can include:
- Hard time swallowing
- Abdominal swelling
- Bloody or dark stools
- Problems with digestion
- Cramping or pain in your abdomen
- Changes in bowel movements, including constipation, diarrhea, narrow stools, or changes in consistency
- Jaundice, causing your skins and eyes to yellow
Feeling weak or tired, losing your appetite, and weight loss also may indicate gastrointestinal cancer.
A Dignity Health Central Coast cancer doctor will review your symptoms, along with your medical history, to determine if you have a gastrointestinal cancer, such as colon, pancreatic, or rectal cancer.
Personalized Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment
Your specific type of cancer will guide your treatment options. Your doctor most likely will recommend surgery at one of these Dignity Health Central Coast locations:
- Arroyo Grande Community Hospital
- French Hospital Medical Center
- Marion Regional Medical Center
- St. John’s Regional Medical Center
Following surgery, you also may receive chemotherapy, radiation, a targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments. To learn more about gastrointestinal cancer treatment on California’s Central Coast, meet with a Dignity Health cancer doctor.
Cancer services at Dignity Health offer personal care with dignity for gastrointestinal cancer on the Central Coast of California.