Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month is annually celebrated in April. The goal is to raise public awareness about this serious disease, emphasize the importance of early detection, and promote preventive measures.

What is esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cells of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). The disease is one of the most common oncological problems in the world and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment difficult.

Risk Factors

Many factors contribute to the development of esophageal cancer, including:

• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption – these two factors particularly increase the risk of developing the disease.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – frequent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus can damage its lining and lead to tumor development.
• Poor diet – low intake of fruits and vegetables; spicy and very hot foods increase the risk.
• Obesity - being overweight increases the likelihood of acid reflux, which can damage the esophagus.
• Papillomavirus (HPV) - studies suggest that in some cases, this virus may also be linked to esophageal cancer.

Symptoms

Esophageal cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, but as it progresses, it may cause:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia);
• Unintentional weight loss;
• Sore throat or hoarseness;
• Heartburn or a persistent sour taste in the mouth;
• Chronic cough.

Prevention and early diagnostics

The risk of disease can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle:

• Limiting smoking and alcohol
• Eating a balanced diet – more vegetables, fruits and fiber-rich foods;
• Maintaining a healthy weight;
• Regular medical check-ups, especially for those with risk factors.

Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Endoscopic examinations are recommended to detect the disease at an early stage, especially for those who are at high risk of esophageal cancer.

Raising awareness about esophageal cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention of this disease. April is a time when we can talk more about this topic, share information, and promote early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

If you have symptoms or risk factors related to esophageal cancer, be sure to see a doctor right away! Share information and help others learn more about the disease!