Awareness Month for Oesophageal Cancer: Anyone can develop esophageal cancer, which can appear anywhere in the esophagus. What You Need to Know About Oesophageal Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Information
Oesophageal cancer awareness month is in February, and for the uninitiated, esophageal cancer starts in the long, hollow tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is common knowledge that the esophagus assists in moving food from the back of the throat to the stomach so that it may be digested.
Esophageal cancer can affect anybody and can appear anywhere in the esophagus. It often begins in the cells that coat the inside of the esophagus. The risk factors for this type of cancer are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, exposure to chemicals, family history, swallowing issues, drinking hot liquids, and not eating enough fruits and vegetables, according to Dr. Suhas Aagre, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hemato-Oncologist at Asian Cancer Institute.
He stated, “Dysphagia, accidental weight loss, chest discomfort, pressure, or burning, increased indigestion or heartburn, cough, and hoarseness are signs of this malignancy. Once you become aware of these signs, therapy should not be delayed.The difficulties, he added, “Can result in life-threatening consequences if treatment is not sought at the appropriate time. You may have problems including esophageal blockage, which prevents food and drink from passing down your esophagus. Furthermore, people with advanced esophageal cancer may have pain and find it difficult to go about their regular lives. Another complication of esophageal cancer is bleeding. It is preferable to treat this malignancy right away.
He stated, “The numerous procedures to diagnose this sort of cancer are CT scan, Esophageal endoscopic ultrasonography, biopsy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy,” while speaking about the diagnosis (EGD). After the diagnosis is confirmed, the best course of therapy will be recommended to you. He noted that the kind and stage of the malignancy will determine the appropriate course of therapy. Surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, endoscopic laser therapy, targeted therapy, and even immunotherapy may be recommended.
The health expert offered the following suggestion as to how to prevent this cancer: “If you smoke, speak to the doctor about steps for stopping. You can reduce your smoking with the use of medication and counseling. Avoiding alcohol is a good idea as well.Don’t forget to incorporate whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Try to stay away from canned, processed, and junk food. It will be preferable for you to work out every day and keep your weight at a healthy level. Without hesitation, inform the doctor of any changes that seem strange. The key to controlling cancer and enhancing quality of life is early therapy.