In India, Esophageal Cancer is the 4th most common cause of cancer-related deaths. There has been a significant increase in the incidence of Esophageal cancer worldwide over the years.

This cancer fighter, I’m going to share her story with all of you so people can be aware of the symptoms and go for early detection. A few years back, when I met her, she told me about her symptoms that included choking and regular indigestion. Even after my repeated reminders to get a test done, she was against getting the test done. One day while walking back from the market, she tells me that she was eating a banana. She took a bite, chewed and swallowed, and suddenly couldn’t breathe in or out. It felt as if someone had stuck a knife in her chest. She waited slightly hunched over for the pain to ease and to be able to take a breath again. The next day she realized she had to get the test done. She was also rapidly losing weight.

Fortunately, today she says she is leading a healthy happy life and is cancer-free. She loves travelling and she says if not for covid-19 she would have been in Italy now.

So today I will tell you about the risk factors for this type of cancer. For some, it is the genes and nothing can be done about it. Regular exercise and a healthy diet needs to be maintained and can be protective factors for most cancer types. Avoid the risk factors I will mention and increase the protective factors . This may lower the risk but it does not mean that it can completely prevent cancer.

Key points:

Esophageal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the esophagus.
Esophageal cancer occurs more often in men.
Men are about two times more likely than women to develop it.
The chance of developing Esophageal cancer increases with age.
Some factors may decrease the risk of esophagus cancer

Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use
Chemoprevention with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Smoking, obesity, and not getting enough exercise are some risk factors.

Talk to your doctor about how you might lower your risk of cancer.

Studies have shown that the risk is lower in people who do not use tobacco and alcohol.

Chemoprevention with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Chemoprevention is the use of drugs and vitamins to reduce the risk of cancer.

According to research, use of NSAIDs may lower the risk of of esophagus cancer. But remember that we need to be cautious before using NSAIDs as they are known to increase the risk of other ailments such as heart attack, stroke, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and kidney damage.

Gastric reflux increase the risk of esophagus cancer.

Research shows that usually if GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease lasts for a long time and if patients have symptoms daily then it is a huge risk factor.

What is GERD?
GERD : A condition in which the contents of the stomach along with stomach acid, flows upwards into the lower part of the esophagus. When this happens constantly, it irritates the inside of the esophagus, and when left untreated for a long time may affect the cells lining the lower part of the esophagus. This is called Barrett esophagus.

Over time, the cells on the esophagus lining are replaced with abnormal cells, which may later turn into cancerous cells.

If the patient also suffers from obesity along with GERD, the risk of esophagus cancer is further increased.

Study shows that the use of medicines that relax the lower muscles of the esophagus may increase the likelihood of developing GERD.

When the lower Esophageal muscle is relaxed, stomach acid may flow upwards into the lower part of the esophagus causing GERD.

Whether surgery and other treatment of GERD prevents Esophageal cancer or not is not yet proven.

Patients who received radiofrequency ablation( a non-invasive treatment for pain) were less likely to be diagnosed with Esophageal cancer.

Book your appointment with Dr. Murali Subramanian for Best Esophageal Cancer doctor in Bangalore – Today:+91 9880522891 or Check out our Social Media page!