Digestive system cancers

Information about digestive system cancers from leading Australian health organisations.

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Digestive system

Your digestive system breaks down the food you eat into nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Find out about how it works and some related conditions.

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Malabsorption syndromes

Information about malabsorption syndromes from our information partners.

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Rectal diseases

Rectal problems include haemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and incontinence.

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Gastrointestinal illnesses

Gastrointestinal illnesses are very common. Some may last for only a day or two; others are long term. Learn here about their causes, symptoms and treatments.

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Irritable bowel syndrome infographic

Explore this infographic to learn about how to deal with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and how you can prevent an attack of IBS.

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Needlestick injuries

If skin is punctured by a sharp medical tool like a scalpel or needle on a syringe, it is called a ‘needlestick injury’. Here's information about needlestick injuries from healthdirect and their partners.

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Bowel cancer – a personal story

Being diagnosed with bowel cancer can be both emotionally and practically challenging. Listening to others who have experienced similar situations is often reassuring and can be helpful. This video interview has been sourced from healthtalk.org, award-winning research into patient experiences in conjunction with the Health Experience Research Group at Oxford University, UK.

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What you need to know about acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children

Learn more about acute hepatitis with no known cause that’s affecting children under the age of 16.

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Stomach cancer (treatment options)

Stomach cancer is a malignant growth that starts in the wall of your stomach. Effective treatment may help to control the cancer and improve your symptoms.

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Living with GORD

Information on living with GORD on this page, plus links to trusted resources.

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Cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder, and is usually done using keyhole surgery. Find out how and why this operation is performed.

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Bowel cancer in young people on the rise — here’s what to look out for

Bowel cancer more commonly occurs in older people, while rates of the deadly disease in younger people are going up. But whatever your age, it's important to know the warning signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Learn more here.

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Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare condition of the oesophagus (the food pipe) that stops food from entering the stomach properly. There is no cure, but there are different treatments to ease the symptoms.

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Get behind bowel cancer screening

Free bowel cancer screening test kits are being sent to Australians aged from 50 to 74. Bowel cancer is one of the most curable cancers – if detected early on.

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How long should you stay out of the pool after diarrhoea?

Summer's here, which means more pool time. But it's important to not go swimming in pools if infected with Cryptosporidium – a parasite that causes diarrhoea.

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Low FODMAP diets

A low FODMAP diet reduces or removes certain foods to cut down on specific sugar types and avoid tummy pain and discomfort. Learn more about FODMAPs here.

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Flatulence

Flatulence is the passing of air or gas from the intestine and through the anus, often accompanied by a sound and smell. Read more about flatulence.

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Gastritis medication

Gastritis occurs when your stomach lining becomes inflamed (swollen and red). It can last for a short time or it can last a long time. Find out more about what medicines to take to relieve the symptoms.

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Pyloromyotomy

Pyloric stenosis causes your baby to vomit soon after a feed which prevents them from getting goodness from their food.

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Surgery for rectal cancer

Removing the cancer by surgery gives you the best chance of being free of rectal cancer.

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Colon resection for colon cancer

Removing the cancer by surgery gives you the best chance of being free of colon cancer.

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Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer, most common in men over 50, doesn’t always have symptoms. You might reduce your risk of stomach cancer by making changes to your diet.

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Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones. It can be very painful and usually needs prompt treatment.

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Anal fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear or split in the skin that lines the anus. Learn what causes anal fissures and how to prevent them.

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Constipation in children

Constipation in kids is quite common and isn't usually caused by something serious. Here's how to help your child when they're constipated.

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Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles around your stomach don't work properly. Although gastroparesis cannot be cured, the symptoms can be relieved.

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Lateral internal sphincterotomy

An anal fissure is a common condition that causes a lot of pain. At first, it may be treated with ointments or Botox. If this fails, surgery is the best option for a cure.

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Abdominal Surgery for Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of your bowel. Surgery is usually recommended if medication fails to improve your symptoms.

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Injection or banding of haemorrhoids

Injection or banding is usually a safe and effective way of treating haemorrhoids.

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