Small Intestine

Cancer of the Small Intestine The small intestine is the long, thin segment of the gut that connects the stomach to the colon. Also called the small bowel, it is responsible for digesting carbohydrates, proteins and fats and delivering the resulting nutrients to the bloodstream.

The most common type of cancer of the small intestine is adenocarcinoma that arises from the glandular cells in its lining.

Incidence

Nationwide there were 512 new cases of small intenstine cancer in 2012.

Causes/Risk Factors

The causes of cancer of the small intestine are not fully understood.

Established risk factors include:

  • Obesity .
  • Smoking .
  • Crohns disease .
  • Coeliac disease .
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP) .

 

 

 

 

If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.