Oesophageal cancer is on the increase

Almost 9,000 new cases were recorded in the UK in 2013, a 43 per cent increase since the late-Seventies. While it is the 13th most common cancer in the UK overall, it’s the eighth most common in men, and survival rates remain relatively low.

According to Cancer Research UK (CRUK) figures, more than half of those diagnosed will die within a year - a survival rate at five years is around 15 per cent overall - and these numbers have barely changed, despite huge improvements being seen across cancers in general.

It remains unclear exactly why oesophageal cancer has increased in UK men. There is an indication that genetic predisposition plays a part but there’s also a lot of focus on lifestyle and environmental factors, particularly as the rise has been so stark over a small space of time - and diet could play a big part.

James C Halstead, a consultant oesophageal surgeon and upper gastro intestinal surgeon at Bradford Royal Infirmary, says oesophageal cancer has always been slightly more common in men than women.

“And it is going up,” he says.

“It is the fastest increasing solid organ tumour in the developed world. The number of cases are going up, not dramatically, but it is going up and quickly and the reason for the increase is probably related to obesity.”

Squamous cell carcinoma forms in the upper part of the oesophagus and Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus forms in the lower part of the oesophagus.

Oesophageal cancer higher up in the gullet is largely related to smoking but, according to Mr Halstead they are seeing more incidents of oesophageal cancer at the bottom of the gullet. “And it is simply related to obesity.”

Mr Halstead says in people who are overweight the valve holding all the stomach contents in their abdomen progressively fails and while there is always ‘a degree of wash up’ into the bottom of the food pipe, it increases in people who are overweight.

Reflux and heartburn, over time, can potentially lead to cellular changes in the lining of the oesophagus which could turn into cancer so awareness is crucial to improve survival outcome.

Mr Halstead’s advice is for people to take control of their weight.

Those suffering symptoms of heartburn, or feel that food is sticking in their food pipe, should have further investigations.

While the disease mostly affects people over 60 and above, young people can suffer with it.

However, awareness of the disease in younger people is imperative too as often symptoms may be dismissed because of their age.

Heartburn, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and persistent indigestion can be a sign of oesophageal cancer and must be checked out if they persist.

Other symptoms can include weight loss, pain or discomfort in your chest or back, usually between the shoulder blades, hoarseness, persistent cough, vomiting and coughing blood.

But if you are concerned you should seek medical advice.

For more information about oesophageal cancer visit nhs.uk or the Macmillan and Cancer Research UK websites.

Guidelines advise that anybody who has had symptoms for three weeks or more should see their GP, along with those who’ve had acid reflux for a long time, or if symptoms suddenly change. Visit heartburncanceruk.org