Reduce your risk of oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the oesophagus. — 123rf.com

April is Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month, which makes this a good time to learn the signs of oesophageal cancer and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Oesophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the oesophagus, a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach.

Your oesophagus helps move the food you swallow from the back of your throat to your stomach to be digested.

Oesophageal cancer is more common among men than women, and it can occur anywhere along the oesophagus.

The signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss without trying
• Chest pain, pressure or burning
• Worsening indigestion or heartburn
• Coughing or hoarseness.

In order to reduce your risk of oesophageal cancer, here are four steps you can take:

• Quit smoking

  If you smoke, talk to your healthcare professional about strategies for quitting.

  If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start.

• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all

  If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

  For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables

  Add a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to your diet.

• Maintain a healthy weight

  If you are overweight or obese, talk to your healthcare professional about strategies to help you lose weight.

  Aim for a slow and steady weight loss of one or two pounds (454 to 903 grammes) per week. – By Laurel Kelly/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service