Unfortunately for those who suffer frequent acid reflux or heartburn, a potential effect of this annoying condition is esophagus cancer. This particular cancer is not extremely widespread, but like any cancer, it can strike anybody at anytime. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. In this article, we'll review esophagus cancer symptoms, its common causes, and some prevention steps you can take.
What is Esophagus Cancer?
Simply put, it's a cancerous growth on the lining of the esophagus. Cells in the lining begin to change and grow, and the longer the cancer goes undetected, the larger and more widespread it can become.
How Can I Tell?
Some of the most common esophagus cancer symptoms are difficulty in swallowing, chest pain that is not heart-related and a sensation of pressure or fullness in the chest. Unfortunately, these symptoms are very common, and can indicate a number of other illnesses. Even more confusing, they can indicate something as benign as overeating!
If you feel or experience any of these (potential) esophagus cancer symptoms on a regular basis, or at a time when you know you haven't eaten too much, see a doctor. It's always better to be proactive about your health than to be diagnosed with latter-stage cancer. Cancers which are found early have the best rates of survival and successful treatment.
What Causes It?
Ironically, one of the most common esophagus cancer symptoms...chest pain....is also a symptom of one of its causes. It should be remembered that nobody is clear on what exactly causes this form of cancer, but science has given us many possibilities.
Heartburn, or acid reflux disease, occurs when irritating stomach acids reflux back up into the esophagus. Over time, this irritation, some believe, can damage the lining of the esophagus severely, and these damaged cells may turn malignant.
Several other causes and risk elements have been identified. They include smoking, obesity, a diet which lacks the proper amounts of vegetable and fruits, heavy alcohol consumption and the use of chewing tobacco. Nearly all of these put excess irritation and strain on the esophagus. Obesity appears to be a factor because excess weight increases the body's inflammatory response, raising the risk for virtually every kind of cancer.
Prevention Steps
Now that you know what can cause esophagus cancer, you probably already have a good idea of how to prevent it.
The very first thing you must to do prevent this and any cancer is to begin leading a healthier lifestyle. Stop smoking, cut way back on alcohol use and quit using smokeless tobacco. With your doctor's approval, begin an exercise regimen to help you lose weight and increase your body's overall health. Eat a healthy diet, paying close attention to vegetables, fruits and nuts.
While there is no magic action which will prevent cancer in every case, these very simple steps can help you to lead a more healthy life. A body which is fed properly and exercised regularly is healthier overall, and therefore less likely to develop any chronic disease, including cancer.
For more information about acid reflux complications, please visit http://www.heartburn-stop.com/complications-of-heartburn/
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