Alarming Rise In Oesophageal Cancer In Men
There has been an alarming rise in the number of cases of oesophageal cancer, (sometimes referred to as throat cancer) in men, according to figures from Cancer Research UK. Men are almost three times more likely to develop cancer of the oesophagus than women.
The oesophagus is the tube, which runs from the throat to the stomach. Oesophageal cancer is fairly uncommon, the recent increase in cases among men has caused alarm among dental and medical experts.
The latest statistics show that every year in the UK, 5,600 men and 2,800 women are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
Dr Tim Underwood, an oesophageal surgeon, said that the figures are very worrying and urged patients to be aware of symptoms. As with most forms of cancer, the earlier cancer of the oesophagus is diagnosed, the better. Common symptoms include heartburn, which occurs on a regular basis, difficulty swallowing and getting food stuck when you try and swallow.
Risk factors for oesophageal cancer include smoking, a poor diet lacking in fruit and vegetables, alcohol and long-term acid reflux.
Dr Underwood is planning to take on the New York Marathon with a group of colleagues to raise money for a research study, which hopes to unravel the genetic code of cancerous cells in the oesophagus. It is to make patients aware of symptoms and to attend regular dental and health checks.
If you are displaying any of the symptoms then it is imperative to have them checked out. In the majority of cases, the symptoms will have nothing to do with cancer, but it is always best to err on the side of caution, as early treatment can increase the chance of survival considerably.
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