Esophageal Cancer: Daily habits that knowingly or unknowingly increase the risk of esophageal cancer

Oesophagal Cancer: Cancer is such a disease whose name is scary even after hearing it. It is one of the most dangerous diseases present in this world. There are more than 200 types of cancer depending on the different parts of the body. Without treatment, cancer can spread to other parts of the body and eventually lead to death.

However, with advances in technology, many cancers are now curable if detected in the early stages and the life expectancy of people with cancer has increased. World Cancer Day will be celebrated all over the world on 4th February. Before that let's talk about oesophagal cancer. This is the part of the body which gets attention very often. Oesophagal cancer begins in the inner lining of the oesophagus, also known as the mucosa. The oesophagus is a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach and helps move swallowed food from the back of your throat to your stomach for digestion.

Types of esophageal cancer
There are two types of esophageal cancer-
The first is adenocarcinoma (cancer that starts at the bottom of the esophagus) and the second is squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that originates from the upper esophagus). This type of cancer is more common in men than in women. Lifestyle factors play an important role in esophageal cancer and habits like smoking, alcohol, chronic acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Habits that increase the risk of esophageal cancer
1. Diet
Certain substances in your diet may put you at a higher risk of esophageal cancer. For example, processed meats may increase your chances of developing esophageal cancer. However, more research is needed in this area. On the other hand, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables probably lowers your risk of disease. While the exact reasons are not clear, fruits and vegetables tend to be high in vitamins and minerals that may help prevent esophageal cancer.

2. Drinking very hot beverages
If you are fond of drinking hot tea or coffee, then you have reason to worry. A recent study found an association between the consumption of hot beverages such as hot water, tea and coffee and the risk of esophageal cancer. Mostly seen as healthy drinks when they are in limited quantity. But tea and coffee with their caffeine and antioxidant content may increase the risk of this disease. To reduce this risk, allow the beverage to cool slightly before taking the first sip. It has been shown that those who prefer hot brew have a 2.7 times higher risk and those who prefer very hot brew have a 4.1 times higher risk of developing cancer.

3. Consumption of tobacco and alcohol
Consumption of tobacco and alcohol together invites other cancer diseases including esophagus. Tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipes, and chewing tobacco, are a significant risk factor for esophageal cancer. The more and longer it is used, the greater the risk. Similarly, drinking alcohol also increases your risk of this disease. Similar to tobacco use, the more alcohol a person drinks, the more likely they are to develop esophageal cancer.

4. Obesity
People who are overweight or obese are also at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. This is partly because obese people are more likely to have gastroesophageal reflux. Normally, the stomach makes acid and enzymes to help digest food, however, in some, acid can leak from the stomach into the lower part of the esophagus in a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux.

5. Not getting enough exercise
Physical activity plays an important role in keeping us healthy and fit in many ways. Getting a regular amount of physical activity daily can help keep several diseases at bay as well as reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer.