Over 20,000 people are diagnosed with Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers each year in the UK. Wales has one of the highest incidences of some of these cancers with more than 1300 affected each year.

These cancers are among the most difficult to treat, as patients are often diagnosed late. UGI cancer is a malignancy which affects the upper part of the digestive system, including the oesophagus (sometimes called the gullet), stomach, pancreas and liver. The incidence of oesophageal cancer, especially affecting the lower part of the oesophagus, has risen dramatically in recent years.

The ATTAC Appeal for Upper GI Patients will:

• Coordinate research to enable us to diagnose patients earlier.
• Help and support patients through complicated multi-modality treatments.
• Use targeted biological novel agents and advanced radiotherapy techniques to systematically support patients.
• Carry out research and development to improve the treatments available.