Gastrointestinal cancer cases are projected to double globally by 2050, according to a study co-led by Cedars-Sinai and published in the journal Cancer. The research, which analyzed data from 2022, found that pancreatic cancer diagnoses and colorectal cancer deaths will see the largest increases. Esophageal and liver cancers are also expected to rise in both diagnoses and mortality.
“These rising cancer rates are expected worldwide, and large-scale efforts need to be made to encourage lifestyle changes and develop screening programs to reduce them,” said Ju Dong Yang, MD, medical director of the Liver Cancer Program and professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai and co-corresponding author of the study.
Yang noted that up to 70% of liver cancers could be prevented through lifestyle adjustments. While hepatitis B and C were previously leading causes of liver cancer in the United States, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now becoming more common. MASLD involves fat accumulation in the liver linked with diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Taking steps to control these risk factors is key for prevention, Yang explained. He added that only about 20% of people in the U.S. with cirrhosis from hepatitis or other chronic conditions receive recommended screening for liver cancer. As a result, just 30% of liver cancers are detected early enough for curative treatment.
Alexandra Gangi, MD, director of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Cedars-Sinai’s Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery and director of the Gastrointestinal Tumor Program, discussed esophageal and gastric cancers. “These tumors cause few symptoms before the cancer has spread—and they tend to spread rapidly,” Gangi said. “To reduce risk, focus on preventable issues such as obesity, tobacco and alcohol use, and diet. And if you have other risk factors such as chronic acid reflux, gastritis or family history of these cancers, speak with your doctor about screening.”
For colorectal cancer prevention, Alessio Pigazzi, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Colorectal Surgery at Cedars-Sinai advised regular screenings starting at age 45 or earlier for those with a family history. “Late diagnosis makes colorectal cancer highly lethal, while early diagnosis leads to very high cure rates,” Pigazzi said. “To reduce risk, everyone should eat a diet focused on whole foods that are high in fiber and low in sugars and animal fats, exercise regularly, keep up with screenings, and watch for colon cancer symptoms such as frequent rectal bleeding or unexplained changes in bowel habits.”
Arsen Osipov, MD—medical director of Pancreatic Cancer and Multidisciplinary Programs—addressed pancreatic cancer: “There have been recent advances in early detection and treatment, including blood-based ‘liquid biopsy’ tests and structured screening programs for those with strong genetic risk,” Osipov said. “And multidisciplinary clinics, such as one pioneered at Cedars-Sinai, help accelerate diagnosis and treatment planning, and improve access to clinical trials and patient outcomes.” Osipov recommended similar lifestyle modifications as those suggested for other GI cancers; he also encouraged individuals with chronic pancreatitis or a family history to consider genetic counseling.
Katelyn Atkins, MD, PhD—interim chair and medical director of Radiation Oncology—highlighted new research directions: Blood-based biomarkers like circulating tumor DNA are enhancing early detection across GI cancers. “Improvements in radiation oncology techniques are allowing us to deliver the therapy more precisely and better protect nearby organs… There is also growing use of radiotherapy as an alternative to radical surgery in rectal, esophageal and gastroesophageal cancers,” Atkins said.
Robert Figlin, MD—interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer—noted progress toward personalized treatments: “This shift toward more personalized biology-driven treatment approaches helps us extend survival and preserve quality of life for patients with GI cancers,” Figlin said. “We will continue to work to improve treatment options and prevent cancer incidence in our community.”
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located in Los Angeles; it was founded in 1902. The hospital’s president is Thomas M. Priselac. In 2022 alone it admitted over 50 thousand patients for care; it also serves as a training hospital with pediatric services (https://www.cedars-sinai.org/about.html).
Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University continues its commitment to advancing research while educating future leaders across medicine and biomedical sciences.
