Foundation Reaches Milestone: Issues Esophageal Cancer Research Funding For the First Time.

July 28, 2015

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has issued its first round of funding for esophageal cancer research earlier this month.

The foundation awarded program director, Dr. Carlos Minacapelli and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnston Medical School grant funding.

In 2011, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation was established to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer.  Since 2011, the foundation has both raised awareness and encouraged the importance of earliest possible detection throughout New England, across the United States and internationally.

“The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is excited to be a part of Dr. Minacapelli’s and Rutger’s research efforts in honor of all the brave men and women who were affected by esophageal cancer and to hopefully reduce incidence and improve outcomes for individuals in the future” President of the foundation stated.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation would like to thank all of our supporters and donors who believe in this mission and who make these accomplishments possible.  However, this is just the beginning.  We received many other research requests that we were unable to fund at this time.  We need to continue our efforts to fundraise so that we may continue to fund research.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux disease, of which the most common symptom is chronic heartburn, is one of the primary risk factors associated with esophageal cancer.  Other risk factors include obesity, poor nutrition and smoking.  With over a 600% increase in the past decades, esophageal cancer is among the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States and western world.

Currently, there are no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer in earlier stages. Symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, typically appear once the cancer has become advanced and the overall five-year survival rate is only 17.5%.  Despite its rapid increase and poor prognosis, esophageal cancer receives very little awareness and research funding.

To make a tax-deductible donation to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, please visit: SALGI.org/donate.

 


GERD sufferers: take this shopping list with you to the grocery store.

February 7, 2012

One way to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is through changes in diet and nutrition.  Of course, this approach must be discussed with your doctor before attempting to put into place on your own.  While making changes in your diet may be extremely helpful for some it can also be challenging.   Many are not sure what foods are “safe” to eat and end up wandering aimlessly in the grocery store on their shopping trips.

Below is a list that we have put together of foods which have been shown to be suitable for GERD sufferers.   The best practice is to “test” certain foods and see how your body reacts to them.  Everyone will react differently to different foods.  Keeping a food journal with details of what you’ve had to eat or drink can help you keep track of what affects your reflux.   Write down everything that you’ve had to eat or drink along with what time of the day and if you’ve had any symptoms from the food or drink.

When grocery shopping, consider the size of the item you are buying.  Another easy way to reduce your acid reflux or GERD is to reduce portion sizes.   Eating smaller meals has proven to reduce episodes of GERD.

GERD Grocery Shopping List

Apple- juice, dried or fresh

Banana

Pears

Potato

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Celery

Corn

Beans

Lentils

Mushrooms

Parsnips

Peas

Spinach

Kale

Squash

Green beans

Brown Rice

Multi-grain or whole wheat bread

Bran Cereal

Oatmeal

Corn Bread

Graham Crackers

Pretzels

Rice cakes

Feta cheese

Goat cheese

Fat-free cream cheese

Fat-free sour cream

Low-fat soy cheese

Skim milk

Egg substitute

Egg whites

Skinless chicken breast

Extra lean steak

Extra lean ground beef

Salmon

Fish – no added fat

Ginger

Honey

Basil

Cilantro

Chamomile tea

 

 

As always, consult your doctor before making any lifestyle changes.

 

These suggestions are for informational purposes only and 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.

 

Sources:

Magee, Elaine. “Heartburn: Foods to Avoid.” WebMD, WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/features/heartburn-foods-to-avoid#1.

Johnson, Jon. “Diet Tips for GERD: Foods to Eat and Avoid.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314690.php.

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