Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States and western world. Can esophageal cancer be prevented? While researchers have not found any definite ways to prevent esophageal cancer, there are ways to lower your overall risk of developing esophageal cancer. These precautions include:
-Quit smoking and do not use any tobacco or vape products.
-Do not drink alcohol.
-Eat a nutrient dense and vitamin rich diet.
-Manage GERD symptoms and speak to your doctor about screening and how to lower your risk of esophageal cancer.
-Exercise regularly.
Since there are no known causes of esophageal cancer, only underlying risk factors, it is important to learn the risk factors associated with the cancer, improve your overall health, and work with your doctor(s) to manage and screen for any damage to the esophagus. Improving your health will also reduce your risk of other diseases as well.
Risk factors associated with esophageal cancer are: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (chronic heartburn, indigestion); obesity, poor diet and nutrition, tobacco use, alcohol use.
Having one or all of these risk factors does not mean that one will develop esophageal cancer. Also, not having any risk factors does not mean that one will never develop esophageal cancer. Raising awareness of risk factors associated with esophageal cancer is one way to help reduce the incidence of an esophageal cancer diagnosis.
However, please note that by avoiding the risk factors associated with esophageal cancer and improving your overall health may not completely eliminate the risk of esophageal cancer. That is why esophageal cancer research, which is critically underfunded, is so important and one of the main objectives of our mission.
It is also important to learn the red flag warning symptoms of esophageal cancer and speak to your doctor immediately if you are exhibiting any of these symptoms. The warning symptoms include but are not limited to: dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), chronic heartburn or indigestion, frequent choking while eating, chest pain, pressure or burning, unexplained weight loss, cough or hoarseness, vomiting, coughing up blood.
Also, people who are considered to be at an elevated risk should speak with their doctor immediately about getting screened as early as possible. Experts agree that early detection can improve the chances of survival if cancer is found in the esophagus. There are also more treatment options available for early esophageal cancer and better outcomes.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer…in hopes of a CURE!™
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded five research grants since it’s founding in 2012! The first in 2015 and the second in 2018. The research awarded in 2018, a breath test for esophageal cancer, is currently underway. In June, 2023, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded three grants. To read more about the research, click here.
Now more than ever, your support is critically needed to enable this charity to fulfill our mission.
To donate, please click here.
This information for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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