Many cases of esophageal cancers are not diagnosed until the advanced stages. This cancer will claim an estimated 16,000 lives in the US this year alone.
Most esophageal cancers are classified as either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, depending upon the type of cells. AICR’S latest report on esophageal cancer found that maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of adenocarcinoma. Drinking alcohol links to a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
CUP report on Esophageal Cancer:
Lifestyle and esophageal cancer risk.
- Weight
Excess body fatness puts you at greater risk for esophageal cancer.
- Overweight and obesity are associated with gastro-esophageal reflux and Barrett’s esophagus, conditions which damage the cells lining the esophagus in ways that make them prone to cancer.
- Being overweight and obese also increases blood levels of insulin and related hormones that can encourage the growth of cancer.
- Alcohol
Risk for esophageal cancer increases as alcohol consumption increases.
- The body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a potent carcinogen.
- Alcohol may act as a solvent, making it easier for carcinogens such as tobacco smoke to penetrate the cells lining the esophagus.
- Alcohol can adversely affect how efficiently the body repairs DNA damage and defends against free radicals.
- Smoking
Both current and former smokers increase their risk of developing esophageal cancer.
- Age
The older you are, the greater your risk.
- Diet
The traditional South American drink, maté, is traditionally drunk scalding hot through a metal straw and may raise esophageal cancer risk.
Foods that fight esophageal cancer.
No single food can protect you against cancer by itself. But research shows that a diet filled with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other plant foods helps lower risk for many cancers.
Cancer Updates
The science of survival.
AICR’s health guides and recommendations are developed from research that focuses on how nutrition and lifestyle affect the prevention, treatment, and survival of cancer. Paramount to our updates is the Continuous Update Project which helps you stay on top of new findings, and understand the data that sits at the center of our work.
