Gastrointestinal cancer care in Denver

At HealthONE, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That's why our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.

Our doctors are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal cancers—including stomach and small intestine cancer. We offer advanced treatment methods to help patients heal.

For more information about cancer diagnosis, treatment and other services, call askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.

Expert gastrointestinal (GI) cancer care

When it comes to your cancer care, our goal is to provide high-quality services from a team of experienced specialists. To do this, we have experts from multiple medical backgrounds weigh in on each of our patients’ care plans.

Each patient's case is brought to an interdisciplinary case conference where medical specialists provide perspectives on treatment plans and progress. This helps ensure an effective, comprehensive treatment plan.

Our expert team includes physicians from the following specialties:

  • Gastroenterology—Board-certified gastroenterologists provide the latest endoscopic techniques.
  • Interventional radiology—Interventional radiologists use minimally invasive image-guided technologies to treat obstructions or tumors.
  • Medical oncology—Medical oncologists administer specialized chemotherapy treatment plans.
  • Radiation oncology—Radiation oncologists deliver external and internal beam radiation therapy to referred patients, both inpatient and outpatient.
  • Surgery—Fellowship-trained general surgeons who specialize in gastrointestinal surgery remove tumors of the stomach or other parts of the GI tract.

Specialized GI cancer center

At Swedish Medical Center, we provide patients access to The Center for Diseases of the Liver & Pancreas. It is one of the Rocky Mountain region’s leading centers for GI cancer care, including for the treatment of stomach (gastric) cancer.

Early diagnosis for stomach cancer

Our specialists use several different methods to determine a GI cancer diagnosis, including minimally invasive exams and diagnostic imaging tests. These exams may include:

  • Barium swallow
  • Biopsy
  • Blood tests
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan
  • Medical history and physical exam
  • Upper endoscopy

GI cancer risk factors

Common risk factors for GI cancers include having certain preexisting conditions, including:

  • Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Familial syndromes (familial adenomatous polyposis)
  • Gastric polyps
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, an infection in the stomach)
  • Intestinal metaplasia (normal stomach lining replaces intestinal cells)
  • Pernicious anemia

Additional risk factors include:

  • Eating a high salt diet
  • Eating foods that have not been stored or prepared properly
  • Having a family history of stomach cancer
  • Smoking cigarettes

Older men also tend to be at a higher risk for developing GI cancer. Our physicians work with patients with these risk factors to determine whether any symptoms of GI cancer are present.

Symptoms of GI cancer

Some of the most common symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer are:

  • Bloated feeling after eating
  • Buildup of fluid in abdomen
  • Indigestion and/or stomach discomfort
  • Heartburn
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

GI cancers we treat

GI cancers our gastroenterologists and oncologists treat include:

GI cancer treatment

Our main goal when providing treatment is to produce positive outcomes for our patients. With the many new, cutting-edge imaging technologies and cancer treatments, our specialists are able to help patients with GI cancers live longer and healthier lives.

We offer a wide range of treatments, including:

Sarah Cannon - The Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare

About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.