Approximately 1,300 cases of oesophageal cancer are diagnosed in Poland each year, and it affects men more often: 5.6 per 100,000, among women it occurs less frequently: 1.4 per 100,000. In most cases, the disease occurs in older people, practically no diagnosis of oesophageal cancer occurs before the age of 40.

Symptoms of oesophageal cancer

The disease is initially asymptomatic. It is most often detected incidentally during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Of the symptoms, the most common are:

• difficulty swallowing - dysphagia,
• pain on swallowing (odynophagia),
• nausea and vomiting,
• retrosternal and epigastric pain.

In addition, general and other organ symptoms may occur, such as:

• loss of appetite and weight,
• hoarseness,
• cough,
• frequent pneumonia,
• gastrointestinal bleeding,
• cachexia.

If the above symptoms appear and do not pass despite treatment, consult a doctor immediately.

Causes of oesophageal cancer

Among the main causes of oesophageal cancer are:

• cigarette smoking,
• excessive alcohol consumption,
• reflux disease
• head and neck cancer
• previous mediastinal radiotherapy,
• bacterial, viral or fungal infections.

Less serious factors include:

• drinking very hot drinks,
• obesity.

Some studies indicate that a diet low in fruit and vegetables may also be a risk factor for this cancer, but this is a debatable view and requires further observation.

Prognosis

The prognosis of oesophageal cancer is poor in most cases. Due to its initially asymptomatic course, the disease is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. The five-year survival rate for patients treated radically does not exceed 20 per cent.

There are no screening tests for oesophageal cancer. In preventing its development, it is important to avoid smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. In the case of adenocarcinomas, additional emphasis is placed on combating obesity.