Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Causes of Cancer of the oesophagus

Cancer of the oesophagus is most common in China and Africa, where it is probably linked to diet and way food is prepared. In England, it is more likely to be caused by smoking. This, combined with drinking too much alcohol, puts you at greatest risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus.

Other factors that are linked to cancer of the oesophagus are:

• Age – cancer of the oesophagus is most common in people over the age of 50.
• Diet - a high fat diet that is low in fruit and vegetables can increase your risk of getting many types of cancer. The risk increases if you are also obese (very overweight).
• Long-term acid reflux from the stomach (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD). This is a common digestive disorder that causes the oesophagus to become sore and swollen. It only leads to cancer in rare cases.
• Barrett's oesophagus - this is a condition that causes the cells lining the oesophagus to change. It’s often linked to acid reflux. Cells that change like this are more likely to turn cancerous – about 2 in 100 people with Barrett's oesophagus go on to develop cancer of the oesophagus.
• Other uncommon conditions including - achalasia (widening of the bottom of the oesophagus); tylosis (an inherited skin condition); and Paterson-Brown Kelly syndrome (rare syndrome featuring iron deficiency and changes in the mouth or oesophagus).
• Long-term exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants - this can irritate the oesophagus and increase your risk of developing cancer.

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