According to the cancer registration report of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, esophageal cancer is not only the sixth of the top ten cancers in males in Taiwan, but also causes nearly 2,000 deaths every year, and the incidence of esophageal cancer in males is 11 to 16 times that of females. Dietitian Li Wanping said that there are seven types of people who are more likely to suffer from esophageal cancer, including the elderly over 60 years old, those who have smoking habits, those who have drinking habits, those with a history of cancer, and those who are obese.
Wanping Li pointed out in a Facebook fan post that esophageal cancer can be divided into two types: “squamous cell carcinoma” that often occurs in the upper and middle esophagus, and “adenocarcinoma” that most often occurs in the lower esophagus; and patients with esophageal cancer Most of the symptoms will not be felt in the early stage, or they will be ignored because of mild symptoms and overlapping with other diseases. When there are obvious symptoms, most of them have already entered the middle and late stages.
Li Wanping listed the common symptoms of esophageal cancer, including dysphagia or pain; sudden weight loss of about 10-15% without special weight loss or diet; persistent cough and hoarseness; pain behind the breastbone; indigestion, gastric scorching etc. However, she also reminded that these symptoms may also be caused by other diseases, so if you have any symptoms of discomfort, you should first consult a doctor for a professional diagnosis.
Li Wanping mentioned that the cause of esophageal cancer has not yet been clarified, but the following 7 high-risk groups are known to be more prone to esophageal cancer.
▎Age: Cancer is more common in people over 60 years old.
▎Smoking: Whether it is traditional cigarettes, cigars or smokeless products, it will damage the DNA in the epidermal cells of the esophagus and cause abnormal changes in the cells.
▎Drinking: Long-term and heavy drinking will increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
▎Barrett’s Esophagus: This is a mucosal change caused by long-term and untreated gastroesophageal reflux, which is regarded as a precancerous lesion of esophageal cancer.
▎Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Infection with HPV may not only lead to cervical cancer, but studies have confirmed that the virus is also an important risk factor for esophageal cancer.
▎Cancer history: People with a family history of cancer or head and neck cancer themselves have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
▎Obesity: Overweight or obese people have a higher chance of developing esophageal cancer, partly because they are more prone to gastroesophageal reflux.
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