Revista de gastroenterologia de Mexico
Position statement from the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología on the early detection and timely referral of gastrointestinal cancer (esophagus, stomach, and colon) in primary care
By Remes-Troche JM, Cano-Contreras AD, Noble-Lugo A and 21 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Gastrointestinal cancer, particularly esophageal, gastric, or colon cancer, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Mexico. There are substantial delays in the early identification and timely referral of primary care patients, resulting in more advanced-stage diagnoses and poorer clinical outcomes. Our aim was to issue a position statement from the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología (AMG) to guide primary care physicians in the identification of alarm features, risk stratification, and timely referral of patients with suspected gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods
A multidisciplinary group of 20 specialists in the fields of gastroenterology, oncology, endoscopy, epidemiology, and public health, from both public and private institutions, developed the position statement through a structured consensus process. Clinical statements were drafted and voted on, they were organized by cancer type (esophageal, gastric, and colorectal), and three clinical algorithms were designed to support decision-making in primary care.