At the Abramson Cancer Center, our GI cancer specialists are committed to your health and well-being. Our experts collaborate early and often to streamline your care and improve your life during and after a cancer diagnosis.

What Kind of Doctors Treat Gastrointestinal Cancer?

At Penn Medicine, you’re under the care of a collaborative, compassionate team of specialists. Our fellowship-trained doctors dedicate their careers to treating the entire spectrum of GI cancer types, including colon, rectal, pancreatic, esophageal, liver and stomach cancers. Our team also includes support professionals such as nurses, social workers and dietitians.

When you come to us for GI cancer care, your team may include:

GI Cancer Doctors

• Medical oncologists: Often called the “quarterbacks” of GI cancer care, they make chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy recommendations and follow you long-term.
• Radiation oncologists: Experts who have a keen understanding of how to use radiation therapy to treat GI cancers while preserving healthy tissue.
• Surgeons: Our surgeons are leading experts in colorectal, liver, pancreas and bile duct surgeries. They perform intricate procedures to successfully remove complex tumors when other centers can’t.
• Gastroenterologists: These specialists perform advanced procedures to detect and identify GI cancers.
• Pathologists: Doctors with in-depth training in diagnosing gastrointestinal cancers.
• Radiologists: Specialists who read and interpret medical images related to the diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers.
• Palliative care doctors: Our palliative care team has dedicated expertise in managing GI cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects.

Cancer Support Professionals

Learn more about the GI cancer support services provided by:

• Genetic counselors: Our team of licensed, certified genetic counselors helps patients and their families understand cancer risk and make informed treatment decisions.
• Oncology-certified nurse navigators: GI cancer nurse navigators are here to assess your needs and guide you in the next steps of your care. They help you schedule appointments and coordinate your care with all the necessary GI specialists. Meet the navigators.
• Advanced care providers: Oncology nurse practitioners and physician assistants help you manage potential side effects from cancer or treatment and coordinate long-term follow-up care.
• Registered dieticians: Penn’s nutrition experts help you know what to eat so you feel better during treatment.
• Oncology social workers: Our social workers guide you to resources that help you overcome any challenges you encounter to getting the care you need.
• Patient and family counselors: We have counselors available any time you or your family members need help coping with a cancer diagnosis.
• Integrative medicine specialists: At Penn, we offer a range of integrative oncology treatments (such as nutrition classes, acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness, art and pet therapy and exercise classes) to promote healing and improve your well-being.

Meet our GI cancer team