Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma, which is a type of cancer that arises out of connective tissue. It can occur anywhere along the GI tract. GISTs are completely different from the more common gastrointestinal tumours (such as stomach cancer and colon cancers) because of the type of tissue in which they start. GISTs can develop at any age but usually occur in people over 50 years of age. GISTs are rare and almost all GISTs occur sporadically without a clear reason why they develop.

A new GIST diagnosis can be challenging and overwhelming. You should not have to go through this journey alone. Successful GIST management is a collaboration between the patient, caregiver and healthcare team. We can help.