What Causes Heartburn?

Don't ignore heartburn. Experts have warned that heartburn can lead to foodborne cancer.

Esophageal cancer, which mostly occurs in men, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. Tumors develop in the mucosa, the inner lining of the esophagus. The public's lack of knowledge about the causes and symptoms of esophageal cancer is one of the biggest obstacles to preventing or successfully treating the disease.

Esophageal Treatment

Early diagnosis is of great importance to obtain positive results from treatment. Seeing a doctor and having the necessary tests done when one or more of the symptoms are seen will help protect against the life-threatening threat of cancer. Memorial Antalya Hospital Chest Surgery Department Prof. Dr. Abdullah Erdoğan explained what needs to be known about esophageal cancer.

Diet is a Major Risk Factor 

In eastern societies (such as China, India, and Japan), which are among the countries with high rates of esophageal cancer, the most important factors proven to cause esophageal cancer are diet and the way foods are prepared. For example, smoked fish, or the smoking technique, is an important risk factor.

Alcohol Consumption Also Plays an Important Role

In general, excessive alcohol consumption in societies is another important risk factor for esophageal cancer. Especially in Western societies, excessive alcohol consumption is more prominent than the diet. On the other hand, when we look at our country, esophageal cancer is more common in the Eastern Anatolia region than in other regions. Some of the reasons for this are excessive consumption of hot tea, etc., and improper barbecue and meat cooking methods. Cooking food at excessive heat to the point of charring during barbecue damages the molecular structure of the food and can lead to its transformation into a carcinogenic state. In short, preparing and consuming all foods, including vegetables and fruits, naturally reduces the risk of esophageal cancer.

Other Risk Factors

• Use of tobacco and tobacco products
• Chronic heartburn or acid reflux
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Barrett's esophagus, a condition that sometimes develops in people with GERD
• Achalasia, a rare disorder of the muscles in the lower esophagus

Attention Should Be Given to Difficulty in Swallowing

The first symptom commonly seen in the early stages of the disease is difficulty swallowing solid food. Complaints begin a few months before diagnosis; however, the patient often perceives them as ordinary difficulty swallowing and does not know what their complaints mean. Other symptoms of the disease include chest pain and a bloody cough. Sudden weight loss (6-7 kilos lost in a month) is another symptom seen in patients with esophageal cancer tumors. Hoarseness and worsening heartburn may also be seen.

Surgery at an Early Stage Brings Smiles

For early stage treatment of esophageal cancer, the esophagus is removed and a tube is created from the stomach or large intestine to allow food to pass through. The type and scope of treatment in advanced stages varies depending on how far the disease has spread. Thanks to the methods using developing technologies, more comfortable surgeries can be performed for the patient. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy methods can be used for the patient before the surgery. If the patient cannot undergo a therapeutic surgery, a “stent” is first used, which is opened in the esophagus and creates enough space for food to pass through. If the disease is very advanced, the patient is able to continue his life with the help of a feeding tube inserted into the stomach.

Source: HORECA TREND and Science and Health News Agency