GI Cancer Advocacy: How Nurses Can Support Patients & Drive Awareness

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, encompassing malignancies affecting the digestive tract, represent a significant global health burden, contributing to approximately one-third of cancer-related deaths worldwide. As awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts gain momentum, oncology nurses are increasingly recognized for their pivotal role in supporting patients and driving progress in GI cancer care.

The Landscape of GI Cancer Awareness and Advocacy

Despite advancements in therapeutic approaches, survival rates for certain GI cancers, such as stomach and esophageal cancers, remain relatively low. Stomach cancer, for example, accounts for thousands of deaths annually. Esophageal cancer carries a 5-year relative survival rate of 22%. Late-stage diagnoses are common, often stemming from the attribution of early symptoms – dysphagia, acid reflux, or unintentional weight loss – to more benign gastrointestinal conditions. This underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and improved early detection strategies.

Organizations dedicated to GI cancer advocacy are working to address these challenges through education, research, and policy influence. Hope for Stomach Cancer and EC Aware are two prominent examples actively engaged in these efforts.

Hope for Stomach Cancer: Empowering Patients and Shaping Policy

Hope for Stomach Cancer, a non-profit advocacy group, focuses specifically on stomach cancer, aiming to empower patients, advance research, and influence public policy. A key initiative is the annual Patient Empowerment Summit, scheduled for March 7-9, 2026. This event brings together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to foster community, share experiences, and learn from experts in the field.

Beyond awareness, Hope for Stomach Cancer actively engages in policy advocacy through Gastric Cancer Advocacy Days, taking place March 9-10, 2026, in Washington, DC. These events provide advocates with training in effective communication and policy engagement before meetings with lawmakers to discuss critical issues in GI cancer care, including early detection and relevant legislation.

These efforts have contributed to the advancement of the bipartisan Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act, co-introduced in 2025 by Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28) and Joe Wilson (SC-02). According to a press release from Representative Chu, the bill aims to support research, awareness, and early detection initiatives, including a Department of Defense study to investigate potential military-related risk factors.

“This bill represents real hope for families across the country impacted by this devastating disease—especially those in communities that have long faced disproportionate risks and outcomes,” said Aki Smith, founder and executive director of Hope for Stomach Cancer, in the press release. Representative Chu further emphasized that the cancer disproportionately impacts veterans, individuals in rural communities, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, who experience higher infection rates, lower screening rates, and more late-stage diagnoses. The legislation seeks to improve research, screening, and public awareness to save lives and address disparities in care.

EC Aware: Supporting Esophageal Cancer Patients and Caregivers

EC Aware, a member of the GI Cancers Alliance, focuses specifically on esophageal cancer awareness and support. Its mission centers on providing outreach, education, and a supportive environment for patients, caregivers, and survivors. EC Aware promotes support networks, campaigns surrounding Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in April, and educational resources, such as their “Everyone is Different” page, which offers guidance for navigating a recent esophageal cancer diagnosis, including finding the right medical team and considering second opinions.

Fundraising is also a core component of EC Aware’s mission, with opportunities for community members to contribute through employer gift-matching programs, eBay auctions, and volunteer activities. Through these initiatives and collaborations with larger GI cancer advocacy groups, EC Aware strives to build community and provide support for those affected by esophageal cancer.

The Role of Oncology Nurses in Championing GI Cancer Advocacy

Oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to contribute to GI cancer advocacy due to their frontline experience in coordinating care, educating patients, and managing complex treatment regimens. Their insights into the challenges faced by patients with GI malignancies are invaluable.

“They’re on the front lines, and over and over again, our patients always say to us: ‘If it wasn’t for my oncology nurse, I wouldn’t have gotten through this,’ or ‘If it wasn’t for my APP [advanced practice provider] taking me under their wing, I don’t know if I could have gotten through treatment or surgery or radiation,’” Martha Raymond, MA, the CEO of GI Cancers Alliance, stated in a previous interview.

Patient Education and Empowerment

Oncology nurses can empower patients by providing a deeper understanding of their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects, enabling them to become informed self-advocates.

Connecting Patients with Resources

Nurses can share information about resources offered by organizations like Hope for Stomach Cancer and EC Aware, such as the Patient Empowerment Summit and support networks, helping patients and caregivers connect with broader communities for educational and emotional support.

Mentorship and Leadership

Experienced oncology nurses can mentor newer colleagues, fostering strong communication skills, encouraging patient engagement, and sharing effective strategies and tools. By modeling advocacy in practice, oncology nurses can cultivate a sustained culture of advocacy within the oncology setting.