Stomach and Intestinal Cancers

Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal) cancers include cancers of the colon and rectum, anus, appendix, bile duct, esophagus, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, small intestine and stomach as well as gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors and gastrointestinal stroma tumors (GIST).

The following are resources from the National Cancer Institute for those cancers:

Resources and Support

Here are some helpful stomach and intestinal cancer-related resources, including support groups and online chats, printed and online support materials, and telephone hotlines.

  • American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), dedicated to the mission of advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology, provides an online Patient Center with information about screening, early detection and prevention for colorectal cancer and other digestive conditions.
  • Americal Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), as the premiere society for colon and rectal surgeons, provides professional resources as well as patient information about colorectal screening, colorectal procedures and locating a surgeon.
  • Centers for Disease Control - Screen for Life provides basic colorectal cancer information for patients as well as multi-media resources for professionals to promote awareness for a variety of cultural groups.
  • The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is an organization of colon and rectal cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, and the medical community. The Alliance provides patient support and public education, supports research, and advocates for the needs of cancer patients and their families. The CCA offers information including brochures and booklets, a newsletter, a toll-free Helpline, and weekly online chats. It also offers the CCA Buddies Network, which matches survivors and caregivers with others in a similar situation for one-on-one emotional support.
  • The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research funds research, advocates for research funding, and raises awareness of pancreatic cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The Foundation assists patients and their families in obtaining the most accurate, up-to-date information about pancreatic cancer. It provides educational materials and publications about pancreatic cancer. It also has an on-staff social worker available to make referrals to cancer support services.
  • The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is an information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NDDIC aims to increase knowledge and understanding about digestive diseases among people with these conditions and their families, health care professionals, and the general public. NDDIC responds to inquiries by phone, fax, mail, and email about digestive diseases, including digestive cancers and related diagnostic and treatment information. NDDIC also provides online and print publications about specific digestive diseases, provided free of copyright, in varying reading levels.
  • Pancreatica is a non-profit organization that aims to be the gathering point on the Internet for answers to frequently asked questions as well as the latest news and clinical trial information for pancreatic cancer.
  • Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a nonprofit advocacy organization, educates health professionals and the general public about pancreatic cancer to increase awareness of the disease. PanCAN also advocates for increased funding of pancreatic cancer research and promotes access to and awareness of the latest medical advances, support networks, clinical trials, and reimbursement for care.
  • The United Ostomy Association helps ostomy patients through mutual aid and emotional support. It provides information to patients and the public and sends volunteers to visit with new ostomy patients.

For additional cancer information, see the general cancer Support section of this Web site or call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.