Obesity May Be Fueling Rise In Esophageal Cancer
Obesity often causes a hiatal hernia where the upper part of the stomach slides above the diaphragm muscle into the chest and causes heartburn.
The heartburn comes from stomach acid flowing back through the opening in the diaphragm. When this condition becomes chronic, it’s known as acid reflux disease.
Left untreated, acid reflux disease can result in Barrett’s esophagus, which puts you at high risk for esophageal cancer.
With Barrett’s, the normal lining in your esophagus changes from a lining like that of your mouth to one that’s similar to your intestines.
You may have no other symptoms when this condition turns into esophageal cancer. That’s why it’s called a “silent” cancer.
The prognosis is usually poor.
As the disease becomes more advanced, your symptoms may include difficulty swallowing; weight loss; pain in your throat, chest, or between your shoulder blades; hiccups; hoarseness; or vomiting with blood.
In the last 10 to 15 years, there’s been a 350% rise in esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that is related to Barrett’s.
The increase in this cancer parallels the surge in obesity in the U.S.
So if you’re overweight or obese, especially if you have frequent heartburn, lose weight now. And see your doctor.
Earlier detection may improve your outlook with esophageal cancer.
Technorati Tags: obesity, lose weight, weight loss, esophageal cancer, acid reflux, heartburn, Barrett’s esophagus
July 16th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I’ve had heartburn for a few years. I never thought it could cause cancer. I gotta get this treated.
July 16th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
I never knew obesity caused this much trouble. Every article I read seems to have some new health problem that comes from eating too much.
July 16th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Scary. That’s enough to give me heartburn.
July 16th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I think we don’t take conditions like heartburn seriously enough. Just pop an antacid and it’s over. But esophageal (hope I spelled that right!) cancer is a pretty horrible outcome to what seems like such a minor condition.
July 16th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Yikes! I’ve watched those ads for the little purple pill, but I never took it seriously… before now.
July 16th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Does it go away if you lose weight?
July 16th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Stephanie, I’ve seen some people get rid of their heartburn problems when they lost weight. But you should always see your doctor if you’ve got the problem now.
July 16th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
The upper part of your stomach slides up into the chest? I didn’t know that could happen. After reading this, I won’t be overeating this week.