How many Friday nights have you spent downing vodka to celebrate the weekend without giving a damn about what Monday might bring? Drinking alcohol unchecked can put you at risk for oesophageal cancer.
In India, there were about 52,396 new cases of oesophageal cancer in 2018 and 46,504 deaths from this cancer. This makes oesophageal cancer the sixth most common cancer in India. But what is oesophageal cancer to begin with?
Oesophageal cancer is an uncommon cancer that forms in the oesophagus, which is basically the tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach. Its symptoms don’t really rear their ugly head too often, which is why diagnosis is late, and survival is poor.
Oesophageal cancer is when there is a growth of cancer cells that begins in the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a long, hollow tube that connects the throat to the stomach and helps to move swallowed food from the back of the throat to the stomach for digestion purposes.
Oesophageal cancer usually starts in the cells that line the inside of the oesophagus, no surprises. This cancer is more common in men than in women. Risk factors for this cancer are drinking alcohol and smoking.
Treatment for this kind of cancer usually involves surgery to get rid of the cancer. Other treatment methods might include radiation, chemotherapy or a combination. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy might also be used. Oesophageal cancer affects men more than women, just like cervical cancer.
The trouble with this cancer is that it doesn’t show any symptoms early on. Symptoms of this cancer usually occur when the cancer is at an advanced stage.
Issues With Swallowing
Problems with swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is one of the most common early symptoms of oesophageal cancer. This begins with mild discomfort when you swallow food, especially solid foods, and slowly progresses to swallowing liquids.
This happens when a tumour blocks or narrows the oesophagus, making it more challenging for food to pass through. As this tumour grows, the feeling of food stuck in the chest might become more frequent and painful.
This can result in a feeling of choking, regurgitation and frustration while eating, making people avoid certain foods or completely stop eating because of the discomfort.
Chest Pain, Pressure or Burning
Pressure, chest pain, or a burning sensation, often confused for heartburn or indigestion, is another sign of oesophageal cancer. This discomfort usually happens because the tumour growing in the oesophagus presses against surrounding structures, like the chest wall, which can result in a feeling of tightness in the chest.
In some instances, this pain might radiate to the throat, neck or back. A burning sensation might prevail when stomach acid enters the oesophagus, making heartburn worse and signalling that there might be a tumour in the lower oesophagus, where acid reflux is more common.
Coughing or Hoarseness
These are less specific but important symptoms that could point towards oesophageal cancer, especially if they persist over time. If the cancer invades or compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve containing the vocal cords, hoarseness or a raspy voice happens.
Chronic coughing might happen because of irritation or obstruction in the oesophagus, resulting in the body’s attempt to clear the airway. This coughing might get worse with eating or drinking.
If such symptoms happen without a clear cause, like an infection or a cold, you must contact a doctor because the cancer might have spread to the respiratory system.
Weight Loss Without Trying
Weight loss without trying is a disconcerting symptom that often happens because of oesophageal cancer. This occurs because the body can’t absorb nutrients because of issues with swallowing since the oesophagus is blocked or narrowed thanks to a tumour.
People with this cancer experience a loss of appetite, fatigue and a general decline in health, which could lead to weight loss. This unintended weight loss is quick and noticeable and an alarming sign that indicates that the cancer has progressed.
Worsening Indigestion or Heartburn
Worsening indigestion or heartburn might be an early indication of oesophageal cancer. Such symptoms are common in people who have acid reflux. However, it could be a sign of something worse when they become more frequent, severe or unresponsive to treatment.
A growing tumour might throw a spanner in the works of the normal functioning of the oesophagus, resulting in more frequent or intense acid reflux, regurgitation and a burning sensation in the chest.
Heartburn medication like antacids no longer provides relief. This might indicate the presence of cancer in the lower part of the oesophagus.
This cancer occurs when cells that line the oesophagus develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA holds the instructions that tell the cells what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA provides instructions for growing and multiplying at a set rate.
The instructions tell the cells to die at a particular time. In cancer cells, however, the DNA changes give different instructions, telling the cancer cells to make more cells quickly. Cancer cells keep on living when healthy cells die.
This results in too many cells and the formation of a mass called a tumour. This tumour might grow and invade healthy body tissue. The cancer cells too, break away and spread to other body parts.
We can classify oesophageal cancer depending on the kind of cells involved. The type of oesophageal cancer you have can assist in determining your treatment options. The different types are.
Adenocarcinoma -
This starts in the cells of the glands of the oesophagus, which produce mucus. Adenocarcinoma occurs most of the time in the lower part of the oesophagus.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma -
This begins in the flat, thin cells that line the oesophagus's surface. This happens mainly in the upper and middle parts of the oesophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oesophageal cancer globally.
Other Rare Types -
Certain rare forms of oesophageal cancer are small-cell carcinoma, sarcoma, choriocarcinoma, melanoma and lymphoma.
There are many risk factors for developing oesophageal cancer, which are conditions and habits that irritate the oesophagus. They are:-
Consuming hot liquids.
Bile reflux.
Issues with swallowing (Achalasia)
Consuming alcohol
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Not consuming enough fruits and vegetables.
Being obese.
Barrett’s oesophagus.
Receiving radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen.
Smoking cigarettes.
If you are unlucky enough to get this, there is no sure-shot way to prevent oesophageal cancer. However, you can significantly reduce your risk if you.
Enquire About oesophageal Cancer Screening-
If you have Barrett’s oesophagus, ask for oesophageal cancer screening. Barrett’s oesophagus is a precancerous condition that happens because of chronic acid reflux, which dramatically increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.
If you have Barrett’s oesophagus, speak to your healthcare provider about screening - which usually involves exams to peek inside the oesophagus for symptoms of cancer.
Drink if You Must but in Moderation-
If you consume alcohol, please do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that translates into up to one drink daily for women and two drinks for men. Bringing down your alcohol consumption can significantly reduce your risk of oesophageal cancer because alcohol is a considerable risk factor when it comes to oesophageal cancer. Alcohol doesn’t come without its risks.
Consume More Fruits and Vegetables-
Always follow a healthy diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables. Vitamins and nutrients that you get from food are the best. Avoid taking too many vitamins in pill form because they may be harmful.
Pill poppers. This one’s for you. Try consuming raw fruits and vegetables after washing them because that could be the best way to prevent oesophageal cancer.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise-
Try to work out for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. If you have been a couch potato lately, speak to your doctor about whether that is okay, and start exercising slowly. You don’t have to do too much - just basic fitness stuff would help you keep cancer at bay.
Ensure You Maintain a Healthy Weight-
If you are at a healthy weight right now, work to maintain that weight. If you are a little overweight, speak to your healthcare provider about healthy ways to lose weight. Consume fewer calories and slowly increase how much you exercise. That could dramatically bring down the risk of cancer.
Stop Smoking-
This has to be the number one risk factor when it comes to oesophageal cancer. Speak to your doctor about strategies and aids that might help you quit. Your options are nicotine replacement products, support groups and medicines. If you’ve never smoked in your life, then don’t start.
Don’t Eat Hot Food-
Eating extremely hot foods or beverages can damage the oesophagus over time. This damage could increase your risk of oesophageal cancer, so let the food and drinks chill for a bit before you consume them. Don’t irritate your oesophageal lining with hot food or drink.
Don’t Eat Processed Meats-
Processed meats like bacon, sausages and hot dogs have been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including oesophageal cancer. Bring down your intake of these foods to lower your cancer risk.
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep-
Sleep is absolutely indispensable for overall health. Poor sleep patterns or sleep deprivation have been linked to different health issues, cancer included. Try sleeping for around seven to nine hours each night so your body’s immune system and cellular repair processes are not disturbed.
Stay Hydrated-
Drink a lot of water during the day to help maintain healthy tissues, including those of the oesophagus. Chronic dehydration can damage cells and make the tissues more susceptible to cancerous changes.
In conclusion, oesophageal cancer is a serious health concern. Many risk factors are in your control. By adopting healthy lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Regular screenings are essential for early detection for people with conditions like Barrett’s oesophagus or chronic acid reflux. Staying alert and making proactive decisions can go a long way in preventing oesophageal cancer and improving overall health.
What is oesophageal cancer?
Oesophageal cancer happens when abnormal cells in the oesophagus grow unchecked, forming tumours. The two most common kinds of oesophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
What are the risk factors for oesophageal cancer?
Risk factors for oesophageal cancer include smoking, drinking, Barrett’s oesophagus, GERD, obesity and a family history of the disease.
How can I bring down my risk of oesophageal cancer?
To bring down your risk of oesophageal cancer, don’t smoke or drink, ensure your weight is healthy, and consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
Common symptoms of oesophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing, sudden weight loss, persistent heartburn, chest pain, coughing or hoarseness.
How is oesophageal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis for oesophageal cancer usually involves a litany of tests, including an endoscopy to examine the oesophagus and imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs.
