Oncologists say acid reflux is experienced by one in four Brits and is one of the key warning signs of cancer
Heartburn is the number one cancer warning sign for millions across the UK, according to experts. Statistics show Britain has the highest rates of throat or esophagus cancer in Europe and cases are shooting up among younger adults.
Oncologists say acid reflux is experienced by one in four Brits, which is equal to more than 10 million people, and is one of the key warning signs of cancer, a rare condition that develops in the esophagus - the tube that moves food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. The two most common types of esophageal cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
More than 10,000 people are diagnosed in the UK every year with it and eight out of 10 die within five years because many cases are diagnosed late. The data by Action Against Heartburn says it is multiple times more than 3.5 per 100,000 in Italy, 4.4 in Spain, 7 in France, or 7.7 in Germany.
Cases rising for those under 40 years
According to doctors, tumours in the esophagus are more likely to be developed in those who are obese, smoke cigarettes, drink too much alcohol, and often burn their throats due to drinking hot beverages.
Most patients with this cancer are under 40 years of age, with most doctors clueless about why it is happening. However, experts feel it may be due to lifestyle factors like an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption – all of which give rise to heartburn.
What is esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world, which starts in the tissues in your esophagus - the long muscular tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach. Tumours caused by esophageal cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms until cancer has spread.
Doctors say they can treat early-stage esophageal cancer with surgery to remove the tumours or ease symptoms with the help of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy to treat more advanced or later-stage esophageal cancer. When the cancer becomes untreatable, more focus is given to helping the patients live longer, easing symptoms, and maintaining quality of life.
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer
Other than heartburn, a few other signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include:
- Severe difficulty in swallowing
- Pain in your throat or back, behind your breastbone, or between your shoulder blades
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
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Hoarseness or chronic cough
Doctors say esophageal cancer typically grows very rapidly—as your esophagus is extremely flexible, it expands around the tumour as it grows. This is why people often do not have any symptoms until the cancer has spread.
How can you reduce your risk of esophageal cancer?
While you may not be able to reduce your risk in just one or two ways, it is important to understand that esophageal cancer needs you to be at the right wei which you can achieve by not just eating well but also exercising regularly.
You may also reduce your risk by avoiding activities such as using tobacco, frequently drinking lots of alcohol, or working around certain solvents. According to doctors, having an HPV infection is also a big risk factor for esophageal cancer. While there is no recommended way to screen for esophageal cancer – if you have Barrett’s esophagus or certain other conditions, your doctor may recommend screening.
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