Understanding pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary and oesophageal cancers

Clear, expert information to help you understand upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Find out what each cancer is, its signs and symptoms, how it's diagnosed and treated, and where to get support.

What are upper GI cancers?

"Upper GI cancer" is a term that covers five cancers affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. The five are pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary (which affects the bile ducts and gallbladder), and oesophageal cancer.

They're grouped together because they sit in the same region of the body and share some common challenges, including being harder to detect early. 

Each one is different, with its own signs, symptoms, and treatments.



Find information by cancer type

Biliary cancer

Liver cancer

Oesophageal cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Stomach cancer

Where to start after diagnosis

A diagnosis raises a lot of questions, and it's normal not to know where to begin. However you're feeling right now, you don't have to work it all out at once, or on your own. Take what's useful when you're ready. And if you'd rather talk it through, you can speak with a specialist cancer nurse who can help you understand your diagnosis, weigh up your options and find the right support, for you or for someone you're caring for.

Common questions

Start with the page for your cancer type, where you'll find clear information on symptoms, tests, treatment and what to expect. There's no need to read everything at once. If you'd find it helpful to talk things through, you can speak with one of our specialist cancer nurses, who can help you make sense of your diagnosis and find the right support.

Our cancer information is written and reviewed by health professionals with expertise in upper GI cancers, so you can trust what you read. We keep it clear and plain so it's easier to take in, especially at a stressful time. Our information is here to help you understand your situation and have informed conversations with your own medical team, not to replace their advice.

Yes. Alongside our cancer information, Pancare offers free support for anyone affected by an upper GI cancer. You can speak with a specialist cancer nurse, dietitian or counsellor, join a support group, or get practical and financial help. Support is available to patients, carers and family, at any stage.

These five cancers affect the upper gastrointestinal tract and share some common challenges, including being harder to detect early. Pancare is Australia's leading charity dedicated to all five, which means we can focus on the specific needs of people affected by pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary and oesophageal cancers.

Want to talk?

Speak with a specialist cancer nurse, dietitian or counsellor, whether that's understanding a diagnosis, managing day-to-day, tips on managing your diet or just needing someone who understands. Free support for anyone impacted by upper GI cancers, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.