What is the cause of esophageal cancer? These are the main risk factors | Health | Magazine

Classified as rare, esophageal cancer usually shows no symptoms at the onset of the disease, which is more common in men than women.

According to statistics, “it is the eighth most frequently diagnosed type of cancer,” points out the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology.

The esophagus is part of the digestive system and is a “hollow tube that connects the throat to the stomach.”

Here are four types of cancer that can be detected early using a urine test.

On the morning of Monday, April 29, 2024, in Montevideo, former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica, 88, announced that he had been diagnosed with the disease. tumor in the esophagus. Mujica has already undergone surgery in 2021 for an esophageal ulcer, recalls La Red 21.

According to the US National Cancer Institute, this type of cancer begins in the lining of the esophagus and spreads outward through other layers as it grows.

What causes esophageal cancer?

Cancer, the American Cancer Society reminds, is caused by changes in DNA inside cells.

The organization emphasizes that “it is not known exactly what the causes of most cases of esophageal cancer are.” However, it refers to risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this disease.

Symptoms of this disease include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, chronic cough, chest pain, vomiting and hoarseness.

American Cancer Society

Difficulty swallowing and a persistent cough could be a warning sign for the eighth most common cancer in the world.

Five risk factors for esophageal cancer

1. Tobacco and alcohol use. Excess is bad. And “the combination of smoking and alcohol consumption increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus much more than either factor alone,” notes the American Cancer Society.

2. Age. “Less than 15% of cases are found in people under 55 years of age.”

3. Obesity. Obese people are more likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux.

4. Barrett’s esophagus. Gastric reflux (heartburn) is the most common cause of Barrett’s esophagus. This “can damage the lining of the esophagus. This causes the squamous cells that normally line the esophagus to be replaced by glandular cells.”

5. Achalasia. This is a disease of the esophagus that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass from the esophagus to the stomach. This happens because the nerve responsible for the movements of the esophagus is damaged, says Hospital Clínica Barcelona.

People with achalasia have a many times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer than normal. On average, cancer is discovered approximately 15–20 years after the onset of the disease.

American Cancer Society

Louis was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach and esophagus: he was given one month to live, and after 18 months he was cured.

What are the chances of curing esophageal cancer?

The National Cancer Institute explains that if the disease is detected early, the likelihood of recovery is greater.

However, “esophageal cancer is usually found at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis.” And he adds: “In advanced stages, esophageal cancer can be treated, but it is almost never curable.”

What is the life expectancy for esophageal cancer?

The American Cancer Society notes that “about 20% of patients survive at least 5 years after diagnosis.”

And the National Cancer Institute reports that survival rates range from 5% to 47%. (HEY)

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