Esophageal Cancer- Risk Factors and Prevention
Esophageal cancer or cancer of the food pipe is one of the deadliest forms of cancer with poor prognosis. It is estimated that about 8 per cent people diagnosed with the disease survive for more than five years.
However, health experts believe that the risk of esophageal cancer could be lowered by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle. Knowing the avoidable risk factors of esophageal cancer might prevent the disease.
Cancer might start at any area in the esophagus. People of Asian and African origin seem to have a greater risk of esophageal cancer. Adenocarcinoma is a common form of esophageal cancer.
In this cancer, the disease starts in the mucus secreting glands in the esophagus. Cancer originating in the squamous cells, which form the lining of the esophagus, is known as squamous cell carcinoma. Lymphoma, sarcoma, melanoma, choriocarcinoma and small cell cancer are rare forms of esophageal cancer.
Obesity increases esophageal cancer risk
To prevent esophageal cancer, you should maintain normal body mass index. In a recent study in UK, health experts have blamed obesity for the rising number of esophageal cancer cases.
Abdominal fat is especially associated with this condition. Belly fat especially increases the risk of adenocarcinoma. By exerting pressure on the stomach, belly fat increases the risk of chronic reflux disease. The stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritates the food pipe, and increases the risk of cancer.
Unhealthy dietary habits linked to esophagus cancer
A diet rich in fats and low in fruits and vegetables increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Fatty diets are associated with chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Health experts believe that drinking extremely hot liquids daily increases the risk of this disease. Presence of excess alcohol in your daily diet might cause esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer prevention
To prevent this deadly disease, you should consume enough fruits and vegetables. A cancer prevention diet should contain at least five portions of vegetables and four portions of fruits per day.
You should limit consumption of animal fats and alcohol. To lower the risk of esophageal cancer, you should maintain normal body weight and eliminate belly fat through regular workouts.
