Importance of Early Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Brief Review

Abstract

Gastrointestinal tumors (GITs) rank among the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, accounting for more than one-third of oncology-related deaths estimated for 2024. Evidence shows that five-year survival exceeds 90 % when diagnosis occurs at a localized stage but drops to below 20 % in metastatic disease. This review synthesizes recent literature on the importance of early diagnosis of GITs, explores risk-based screening strategies, and analyzes barriers to their implementation. Searches in PubMed, SciELO, and Embase covered publications from 2020 to 2025. The data demonstrate tangible benefits from colonoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and non-invasive tests such as the fecal immunochemical test and multitarget stool DNA, which reduce colorectal-cancer mortality by 30 %–60 %. Artificial-intelligence tools have increased the sensitivity of endoscopic detection of early lesions, while serum and microbiome biomarkers show promise for pancreatic and gastric- ancer screening. Socio-economic inequalities, procedural fear, and low health literacy nevertheless limit adherence, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Cost-effectiveness models indicate net savings when colonoscopy begins at 45 years of age, given the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in young adults. Investing in early diagnosis is therefore a cost-effective strategy that can save lives and reduce the economic burden of digestive cancers.