Gastrointestinal Cancers
摘要
Gastrointestinal cancers, such as those affecting the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, and colon, play a major role in global health challenges. Among these, colorectal and liver cancers are particularly prevalent. The incidence of these cancers varies geographically, with higher rates observed in Asia for esophageal, gastric, and liver cancers, while Europe and North America report higher rates of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. People with disabilities often face unique challenges related to cancer risk, diagnosis, and treatment. They tend to have a higher burden of cancer risk factors and experience disparities in care due to physical and cognitive barriers, including inaccessible medical equipment and healthcare provider biases. Research shows that people with disabilities often experience delays in receiving screenings or treatment, especially for cancers such as colorectal and gastric cancers. This disparity underscores the need for significant efforts to eliminate barriers and ensure equitable access to cancer care. Addressing these challenges is essential to improving health outcomes and survival rates for people with disabilities. Gastrointestinal cancer patients often face various disabilities that significantly impact their quality of life. One major concern is malnutrition, which can result in weight loss, low body mass index, and increased mortality. Malnutrition arises from insufficient food intake because of tumors, treatment side effects, or infections. It is common among cancer patients and negatively affects prognosis and recurrence risks. Ostomy complications pose significant challenges, with many patients experiencing issues such as dermatitis and hernias that adversely affect their quality of life. Furthermore, cancer-related fatigue is both common and debilitating, impacting numerous patients. This fatigue is often linked to psychological factors and requires diverse management approaches. Other complications include chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and lymphedema, which are often overlooked but significantly impact functional capacity. Comprehensive supportive care programs, including personalized treatment plans, are essential to address the diverse needs of gastrointestinal cancer patients.