Early warning signs of oesophageal cancer include swallowing problems originating from heartburn.
With nearly 8,000 people dying from oesophageal cancer each year, experts are warning the public to be aware of vital signs. Early symptoms may indicate standard heartburn could soon become cancerous.
Persistent heartburn is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD forces the stomach to weaken and acids to be regurgitated up through the throat, causing lasting damage. The damaged cells are said to replicate, becoming a hard tumour and cause further stomach issues.
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According to Cancer Research UK, early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer increases the one-year survival rate by four times, from one in five to four in five. Currently, almost 8,000 people die from this cancer each year.
The Mirror reported persistent heartburn, or GORD, sufferers are advised to monitor their condition to see if their reflux worsens or is followed by additional symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or chest pains. Doctor James East, Consultant and Endoscopist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, said: “It’s thought that chronic irritation of your oesophagus may contribute to the changes associated with an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
“I’d recommend that those concerned about acid reflux ask their doctor what signs and symptoms to watch out for that could signal that your condition is worsening. These may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, pressure or burning, and worsening indigestion or heartburn.
“People who experience acid reflux of GORD consistently and frequently are at higher risk than their compatriots who have irregular acid reflux episodes.” More than 59 per cent of stomach cancers are preventable by making simple lifestyle improvements that lessen acid reflux, preventing damage to the lower oesophageal sphincter which controls the opening to the stomach.
What causes persistent heartburn (GORD)?
According to the NHS, there are many things which can aggravate or worsen heartburn, including:
- certain food and drink – such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods
- being overweight
- smoking
- pregnancy
- stress and anxiety
- some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen)
- a hiatus hernia – when part of your stomach moves up into your chest
However, eliminating some of these risk factors can be the best way to reduce or remove the possibility of long, debilitating bouts of heartburn - with many sufferers experiencing the unpleasant sensation for more than two hours at a time.
The health service also advises that sufferers can elevate their head and chest while sleeping to prevent acid from flowing back up the digestive tract. Losing weight and eating smaller meals can also reduce the frequency of heartburn.
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