Esophagus Cancer Causes And Lower Your Risk

Esophageal cancer is more common in men than in women. It is number 8 on the list of most common cancers in men. The number of new cases increases every year.

What is oesophageal cancer?
The esophagus is a tubular organ that transports food from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus lies between the trachea and the spine. In adults, the esophagus is about 25 to 30 cm long.

Cancer can develop at any point in the esophagus. There are two common types of esophageal cancer that can be recognized by the type of cells that make up the tumor:

• Squamous cell carcinoma is formed from squamous cells. These are flat cells that form the upper layer of the mucous membrane of the esophagus. This tumor is usually located at the top of the esophagus.
• Adenocarcinoma is formed from glandular tissue. An adenocarcinoma usually occurs in the mucous membrane at the bottom of the esophagus. Most adenocarcinomas arise from a so-called Barrett esophagus. This is an esophagus whose tissue has been permanently changed.

Cancer can occur if damaged body cells divide freely. These cells can form a tumor or tumor. Cancer is a complicated disease and many different factors play a role in its development. The exact cause of esophageal cancer is unclear. Research has shown that alcohol and obesity play an important role in the development of esophageal cancer.

Who is at the greatest risk?
Esophageal cancer is more common in men than in women. Most of the people with esophageal cancer are 60 years of age or older.

As with all forms of cancer, several factors can be the cause of oesophageal cancer. These factors differ from person to person. Scientific research shows that our diet and lifestyle play a major role.

Risk factors in lifestyle

• Drinking alcohol
• Being overweight or obese
• Maté drinking (a traditional hot drink that is drunk a lot in South America through a metal straw)
• Smoking and other tobacco use

Other risk factors

• Age. The risk increases as you grow older
• Heartburn (reflux). In people with heartburn, acid stomach contents often return to the esophagus. This can cause chronic inflammation of the esophagus ( Barrett's esophagus ) and increases the risk of esophageal cancer, especially in the form of adenocarcinoma.
• Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)

Do one or more of the above risk factors apply to you? This does not directly mean that you will get esophageal cancer. It does mean that your risk may be higher than average.

Lower your risk of esophageal cancer
The following advice is based on research.

Do not drink or drink less alcohol

• There is strong evidence that alcohol increases the risk of oesophageal cancer. A possible explanation is that alcohol can affect our DNA, which can lead to cancer.
• Alcoholic drinks contain a lot of calories and can lead to weight gain unnoticed.

Stay at a healthy weight

• A healthy weight is very important for a lower risk of cancer. Check whether you have a healthy weight using our handy BMI calculator and by measuring your waist circumference.

Eat healthily

• Eat more vegetables and fruit. This type of food is low in calories but saturated well, so you are less likely to have a snack. Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and vary as much as possible. 

Other vegetable products such as whole grain products and legumes (such as beans and lentils) are also part of a healthy diet. These products contain fiber and other essential nutrients.

Do not smoke or chew tobacco, and if you do this, stop it.

*Image source : PeopleBeatingCancer

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