4 behaviors that increase the risk of esophageal cancer and ways to prevent |

On September 27, from the case of Fang Wen Lin, 59 years old, a famous singer and actress from Taiwan. posted on Instagram She was diagnosed with esophageal cancer at the end of June. Today’s news online We have included good information about the causes of esophageal cancer so that we can prevent it.

An article from Ramathibodi Hospital said that

4 behaviors that increase the risk of esophageal cancer?

Various beliefs that are said to increase the risk of esophageal cancer How true are these beliefs?

Myth number 1 is acid reflux disease. Left untreated

This belief is true. This is because acid reflux causes the lining of the esophagus to become inflamed. Then a change in cell type occurred. Normal skin-like cells become abnormal cells. It is similar to the intestine If left untreated for a long time, it increases the risk of esophageal cancer 30-60 times compared to normal people. When you have acid reflux in the early stages But if left untreated until esophageal cancer develops, there are often other symptoms as well, such as difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Myth 2: Smoking

This belief is true. It’s not just cigarettes that increase risk. Esophageal cancer But drinking alcohol is also a risk factor. Cigarettes contain many carcinogens that cause changes in the lining of the digestive tract. which causes cells to divide abnormally Alcoholic beverages are also toxic to cells, causing changes that can lead to cancer in many organs. If possible, you should reduce and stop smoking and alcoholic beverages. To reduce such risk factors

Myth 3: Eat hot food

This belief cannot yet be proven with certainty. Usually, eating hot food can cause inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. and it can cause cancer Many studies have found that esophageal cancer patients Have a history of eating hot food or hot drinks than people who do not have this type of cancer And with today’s busy lifestyles , instant noodles have become a food that many people choose to eat to save time. Which is usually eaten while it is hot However, it cannot be decided whether eating hot food is really a cause of this type of cancer or not. Further studies are needed.

Myth 4: Eat ready meals

This belief cannot yet be proven with certainty. Because there is not enough information, although processed foods can cause inflammation in several organs, including those in the gastrointestinal tract. But at this time, no clear relationship has been found with esophageal cancer But, we should eat nutritious, cooked, clean food in the right amount. Avoid processed foods such as sausage, ham, and bacon for good health.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer

as well as smoking Drinking alcohol And acid reflux is a risk factor for this type of cancer. Another important factor is obesity as obesity is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease which can lead to esophageal cancer. In addition, obesity is also caused by changes in people’s behavior, such as eating more sugary foods and living a busy life. Not exercising

Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis

Disease diagnosis can be done in several ways.

Esophageal endoscopy An endoscope is inserted into the mouth. To examine the esophageal area If an abnormality is found, the doctor will take a biopsy and send it for further examination in a laboratory.

Swallowing barium powder The patient must swallow barium powder. It is a radiopaque material that covers the walls of various organs and provides X-rays of the upper gastrointestinal tract. From the throat, the esophagus, the stomach, to the beginning of the small intestine. to detect various anomalies

Computed tomography (CT) is a test that helps the doctor see where the disease is. and the spread of disease is more detailed than standard X-rays. Because it is a 3D image display.

Treatment of esophageal cancer

At the moment, there are 3 treatment methods to choose the treatment method that is appropriate for the stage of the disease. and the patient’s physical condition as follows

Surgery can be done in a number of ways, such as removing very small tumors. Partial esophageal surgery and surgery to connect the esophagus to the stomach But this method can cause complications such as infection and bleeding. or blood flowing from the surgical site into the stomach

Chemotherapy Can be used before or after surgery. It can be used in conjunction with radiation therapy. or can be treated with chemotherapy alone If the patient has advanced cancer and cannot be treated with surgery.

Radiation is treatment with high energy radiation. It can be used to relieve complications in patients whose cancer has spread. But this treatment can cause side effects such as darker skin. Pain while swallowing food, difficulty swallowing, and nearby organs can be damaged.

Advice on how to take care of your health away from Esophageal Cancer

Maintaining a proportional figure To have an appropriate body weight Exercise regularly Change your eating habits Avoid drinking alcohol. And not smoking will help reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.

Even though esophageal cancer is a very common cancer worldwide. But some important factors of this disease are caused by people’s lifestyle habits. If you change your behavior, and immediately see a doctor when you see abnormalities in the body, it will help reduce the risk of disease. and increase the chance of timely treatment

Thank you for the article from Ramathibodi Hospital Thank you for the photo from Vejthani Hospital.