Esophageal Cancers are on the Rise
The esophagus is an approximately 8-inch-long tube through which your food travels on its way from your throat to your stomach. It runs in front of your spine and behind your windpipe. As with other structures in your body, it can become cancerous.
Esophageal cancer, which is often referred to as a “silent killer,” is the 6th most deadly cancer. And if that wasn’t bad enough, recent research has revealed that esophageal cancers are on the rise among the middle-aged Americans, nearly doubling its occurrence in those between the ages of 45 and 64!
There are two primary types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). SCC, the most common type, affects the upper and middle aspect of the esophagus and its risk factors include heavy drinking, smoking, and following organ transplants. Statistics show that African-Americans and Asians are more at risk for SCC.
Adenocarcinoma, the type which is on the rise, takes up residence in the lower aspect of the esophagus and can result from chronic acid reflex (GERD), and more so if one has been previously diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus (“rings” in the tube resulting from prolonged GERD). Caucasians are more susceptible to this type of cancer.
You can decrease your risk of esophageal cancer by doing the following:
- Quit smoking
- Ease up on any heavy drinking
- Lose excess weight
- Eat more fruits and veggies and less red and processed meats
- Get your GERD under control
- Don’t drink super-hot liquids
Since cancer of the esophagus isn’t often diagnosed until it’s in advanced stages, knowing the most common, earliest signs and symptoms can help to get you to a doctor sooner than later, when things have progressed (or possibly, metastasized).
Here are five red flags to keep a lookout for:
- Trouble swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Voice: hoarse or scratchy sounding
- Pain behind or just beneath the base of the breastbone
- Persistent coughing
If you are experiencing any of the above issues, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Diagnosis is typically made through an upper endoscopy/biopsy procedure.