When talking about any GI cancer, we must understand that gastrointestinal cancer is not just one type of cancer. It is a group of different cancers that occur in the digestive tract.
Esophageal cancer is one such type of GI cancer. As per WHO, Globocan 2018 data, it is the sixth most common cancer in India, with an incidence rate of 5.04%. It is also the reason for the sixth-most cancer-related deaths in India. It is the 5th most prevalent cancer in Indian males and the 6th most common cancer in females. Often, Indian males are more affected by the disease than women.
The numbers tell us that it is essential to raise awareness in the country when the main factors for causing the disease include tobacco and alcohol consumption – which are both rampant in India.
What are the Most Common Causes of Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer occurs when the cells in the esophagus mutate and grow unnaturally. Often doctors attribute chronic irritation to result in changes that increase the chances of cancer of the esophagus. A few factors that cause chronic irritation in the organ are listed below:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Our stomach contains acids to digest the food that we consume. When people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, they must seek treatment for GERD immediately. The acids can escape into the esophagus and cause heartburn or acid reflux in the mouth. It also affects the esophagus lining and causes Barrette’s Esophagus, which increases the risk of developing adenocarcinoma.
If your surgical gastroenterologist has diagnosed you with Barrette’s Esophagus, it affects the squamous cells of the esophagus to change their structure to become more resistant to stomach acids. The condition can increase your chances of getting adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
2. Consumption of Tobacco in any form
Whether you consume tobacco in any form, including smoking cigarettes, smoking hookah, or chewing betel nut mixed with tobacco, you have five times the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
If you are currently smoking or consuming tobacco, talk to your trusted doctor and learn to quit your habit. From nicotine patches, physical relaxation techniques, and avoiding tobacco triggers, your doctor will guide you in the right way.
3. Consumption of Alcohol
People who regularly consume alcohol have a higher risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Whether your intake is one glass of alcohol daily or every couple of days, you can benefit by letting go of your habit. Also, when you combine alcohol with smoking, it increases the risk of esophageal cancer phenomenally.
4. Obesity
An obese patient with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 has shown a higher risk of esophageal cancer. One reason obesity is closely associated with esophageal cancer is obese and overweight individuals often suffer from GERD, which increases the risk of cancer of the esophagus.
If you want to lead a healthy and cancer-free life, focus on maintaining healthy body weight. Include physical activity, exercise, and meditation in your lifestyle to reduce stress and improve health.
5. Reduced Intake of Fiber (Fruits/Vegetables)
Your diet affects the health of your body. Although more research is required for the effects of diet on the risks of esophageal cancer, doctors often recommend limiting the consumption of processed meat. Additionally, if you regularly consume hot beverages or avoid an intake of vegetables and fruits, they can increase your risk.
To ensure a healthy digestive system, focus on consuming more fruits and vegetables. Eat fresh produce and limit processed, fermented and spicy foods that cause acid reflux.
6. Gender and Previous History of Cancer
One must note that incidences of esophageal cancer are higher in men than in women. So, if your lifestyle makes you susceptible to the disease, ensure regular medical screening from the beginning.
Additionally, if you have a previous history of lung cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, and other types of GI cancer, your risks increase multiple times. In such situations, you must consult a GI surgeon and learn ways to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.
Take care of your Health!
Not all risk factors associated with esophageal cancer are modifiable, but many are. If you want to reduce the risk of cancer of the esophagus, take precautions, adopt a healthy lifestyle and learn more about diseases of the esophagus. Reduce your alcohol intake, limit your tobacco consumption, and maintain a healthy weight.
One more crucial aspect is regular medical screening. Several types of GI cancer, including esophageal cancer, can be treated successfully if your surgical gastroenterologist can detect the problem early. So, you must visit your doctor for routine medical checkups and look for any obstruction that you might feel in the esophagus while swallowing. If you are experiencing pain in the esophagus or notice some blood, do not wait. Consult your GI surgeon immediately for esophageal cancer treatment.