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How to Prevent Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer occurs when tumors form in the esophagus, the hollow tube that delivers foods and drinks to your stomach. According to the University of California-Davis Cancer Center, at least 12,000 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year. Even worse, 90 percent of people die from esophageal cancer because it often goes undetected until it’s in the final stages. For this reason, prevention is the key. In order to prevent esophageal cancer, you must first understand all the risk factors that contribute to it. It is also important to understand that while prevetive measures can help, there is no 100 percent guarantee against any form of cancer.

  1. Frequent Heartburn

    • Frequent heartburn can eventually lead to esophageal cancer. If you experience heartburn more than once a week, you should see a doctor for evaluation. Prescription or over-the-counter antacids can prevent stomach acids from flowing back into the esophagus, thereby minimizing the damage that can eventually lead to cancer. Being overweight can also contribute to esophageal cancer because heartburn is more prevalent in obese patients. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about ways to safely lose excess pounds; aim to lose no more than two pounds per week.

    Tobacco Products

    • Smoking and chewing tobacco are two common risk factors for esophageal cancer. The UC-Davis Cancer Center explains that tobacco inhibits saliva, which can, in turn, exacerbate acid problems in the stomach. Many people who smoke cigarettes or use chewing tobacco also suffer from acid reflux disease. Saliva is your body’s natural defense against heartburn, and it acts as an antacid. Frequent heartburn can cause esophageal cancer in the long-run because the constant backflow of stomach acids eventually wears down the lining of the esophagus.

    Alcohol Consumption

    • Alcohol consumption is deemed appropriate for some individuals, but only in moderate amounts. According to the Mayo Clinic, moderate alcohol consumption means one drink a day for women and two drinks for men. However, depending on your individual health history, your doctor may warn against it altogether. Alcohol also irritates the lining of your esophagus, and it can exacerbate the damage caused by tobacco use if you also smoke.

    Eating Habits

    • A healthy diet decreases your risks of chronic health conditions, including cancer. The Mayo Clinic recommends adding colorful fruits and vegetables to your daily meals to cut your risk of esophageal cancer. If you suffer from frequent heartburn, you may also consider avoiding foods that bring about your symptoms. Spicy foods, citrus fruits, garlic and caffeinated beverages are all common culprits.

    Considerations

    • Esophageal cancer may not show any early symptoms, so it is difficult to self-diagnose, and many patients don’t seek timely medical evaluation. To better your odds, always seek medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms in your body. Medline Plus explains that the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer include swallowing difficulties, coughing up blood and unintentional weight loss.

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