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Last Updated: Jan 10, 2023
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Esophageal Cancer - How Can It Be Prevented?

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Dr. Vibhu V MittalGastroenterologist • 23 Years Exp.MBBS, MD - Medicine, DM - Gastroenterology
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Cancer is one of the most widespread and incurable diseases that mankind has been combating with till date. We still have to go long for treating this deadly disease, regardless the progress man has made in medicine and medical sciences. Cancer continues to take the life of millions of people every year. In this article, we are going to talk about Esophageal Cancer, what it is, its symptoms and causes. Let us have a look.

What is Esophageal Cancer?

Esophagus is the long hollow tube that starts from your throat and ends up in the stomach. The esophagus helps us to move the food down when we swallow it. So, cancer which affects the esophagus tract is known as Esophageal cancer. It generally affects the cells that line the inner walls of the esophagus. It is the 6th most common form of cancer that takes thousands of lives every year. Let us have a look at the symptoms of esophageal cancer.

SymptomsEsophageal cancer can be easily identified when it attacks a patient. There are some important symptoms that are prominent and clearly points towards the type of cancer.The patient faces difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) because the esophageal tract starts to get narrow because of the excessive growth of abnormal cells inside its walls. Therefore food cannot be swallowed easily by the victim. Weight loss without the will of trying is also a symptom. This is because the patient cannot eat and drink properly anymore because of the unhealthy inflammation of the tract. The patient can suffer from abnormal chest pain, high pressure or burning sensations. These are followed by pukish feelings as well. Failure to digest properly or heartburn is very common and usually makes the patient weak and mentally irritated because of the problems in the digestive system.

How to prevent Esophageal cancer?

Actually, no one can definitely say that a set of the solution will keep someone away from cancer. It is not possible as cancer can affect anyone. But we can surely follow some steps at least to prevent it from happening in the first place. One needs to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Tobacco is very harmful to each and every part of your body, therefore, it is absolutely not recommended to smoke and quit it completely. Same goes for alcohol intake. Even if you drink alcohol, drink it in moderation and not always. Eating more fruits and vegetables is one of the most important elements that can help your metabolism grow much stronger and help them to fight with any kind of foreign cells. Maintain a healthy weight and keep exercising daily for better body structure and functions.

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