Esophageal cancer, a disease that many may not be familiar with, poses a significant threat, especially in Pakistan. Despite its severity, it remains somewhat neglected in public health discussions. It is imperative to highlight this silent yet deadly condition and raise awareness about its impact, causes, and the importance of early detection. This cancer affects the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Unfortunately, this type of cancer is often overlooked, especially in Pakistan.
Globally, around 600,000 people die from esophageal cancer every year. This makes it the eighth most common cancer in the world. If not diagnosed and treated properly, it can be fatal.
In Pakistan, 8 out of every 100,000 people suffer from esophageal cancer. With our population of 250 million, this means many people are affected. Shockingly, 90% of these people do not even know they have the disease.
Esophageal cancer is a significant health concern in Pakistan, ranking 9th in Pakistani males and 5th in females. The prevalence is high in Pakistan, accounting for 5% of all cancers in men within the institution from where the data were retrieved.
A cross-sectional, retrospective study reported trends and characteristics of esophageal cancer in Pakistan over the past 10 years. It is a growing concern in Pakistan, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and neighboring Afghanistan.
In Western countries like the USA, esophageal cancer is common in people aged 65 to 75. In Pakistan, it usually affects those over 55. Several factors increase the risk of this cancer:
A significant cause of esophageal cancer is an infection by H. pylori bacteria in the stomach. This bacteria produces acid continuously, which can damage the area where the esophagus meets the stomach (called the gastroesophageal junction or GE junction), leading to cancer.
The symptoms of esophageal cancer can be alarming. Initially, patients may feel that food gets stuck when they eat. This painful swallowing is a key sign. They may need to drink water or juice to push the food down. As the disease progresses, they may find it hard to eat solid food and rely only on liquids.
When someone has these symptoms, it is crucial to act quickly. Doctors will:
Early diagnosis is vital. For anyone over 50 with difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck, an endoscopy can help detect the cancer early. If found early, the cancer can often be removed, or a stent (a small tube) can be placed to keep the esophagus open. However, if the cancer reaches stage 4 and spreads, treatment becomes very difficult. Book your appointment with the best gastroenterologist Rawalpindi & Islamabad.
To reduce the risk of esophageal cancer:
Also, Read Digestive Disorders and Treatment
Esophageal cancer is a serious disease, but early detection and treatment can save lives. Be aware of the symptoms and take action if needed. Stay healthy and take care of yourselves.
