Oesophageal cancer develops when abnormal cells in the esophagus grow out of control, forming a tumor. There are two main types of this cancer:
While it occurs more frequently in individuals over 60 and is more common among men, anyone can be at risk, especially with contributing lifestyle or genetic factors.
The survival rates for oesophageal cancer increase dramatically with early detection. Unfortunately, many cases aren’t diagnosed until the later stages, when treatment options become limited, and outcomes are less favorable. Spotting symptoms early allows doctors to intervene sooner, potentially stopping the disease’s progression. That’s why paying attention to signs your body is giving you, no matter how minor they seem, is crucial.
One of the most common symptoms of oesophageal cancer is dysphagia—difficulty swallowing food or liquids. You might feel as though food is getting stuck or experiences a sensation of pressure in your chest when eating. Initially, this may only occur with harder-to-swallow foods, like bread or meat, but it can progress to an inability to even swallow liquids comfortably.
Don’t Ignore It If...
You notice you're adjusting your eating habits—like cutting food into smaller pieces or avoiding certain foods altogether—to cope with swallowing issues.
Occasional heartburn is common, but if you’re experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms of acid reflux, it could be an early warning sign. Chronic exposure to stomach acid can damage the esophagus lining and increase cancer risk.
Don’t Ignore It If...
Your heartburn doesn’t respond to over-the-counter remedies or becomes increasingly frequent. GERD should never be ignored, as it’s a known risk factor for adenocarcinoma.
Losing weight without trying can be a symptom of various illnesses, including oesophageal cancer. It's common because difficulty swallowing and discomfort during meals often lead to reduced food intake, indirectly causing weight loss. Additionally, cancer itself can alter metabolism.
Don’t Ignore It If...
You’ve lost more than 5% of your body weight over a short period without changing your diet or exercise routine.
A raspy voice, chronic sore throat, or persistent cough often gets attributed to seasonal illnesses or laryngitis. However, when these symptoms linger over weeks, they could indicate a problem in the upper esophagus or even surrounding structures.
Don’t Ignore It If...
These symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or recur frequently without a clear explanation.
Chest pain associated with oesophageal cancer is often described as a burning or pressure sensation. It may feel similar to heartburn or angina but can occur independently of other triggers.
Don’t Ignore It If...
You feel recurring or unexplained chest discomfort, especially if it worsens after swallowing or eating.
This may not be an obvious sign, but it’s critical to note—it can result from bleeding in the esophagus. When tumors bleed, it may lead to dark, "tarry" stool indicative of blood passing through the digestive tract.
Don’t Ignore It If...
You notice irregular stool color changes coupled with other symptoms like weight loss or persistent acid reflux.
While symptoms are vital, understanding the risk factors can further enhance awareness. These include:
If any of these factors apply to you, staying vigilant and proactive about your health is even more critical.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution. Schedule a visit to your doctor if you experience:
Doctors often start with diagnostic exams such as an endoscopy or imaging scans, which can detect abnormalities in the esophagus early.
While not every case of oesophageal cancer can be avoided, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and improve early detection chances:
Early signs of esophageal cancer can include weight loss, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. Nevertheless, esophageal cancer may develop slowly and show no symptoms for years. Over time, the symptoms get worse, becoming more painful to swallow and perhaps causing food choking. While palliative care does not aim to cure the illness, it can help enhance quality of life. Among the palliative care options for esophageal cancer are chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and other new immunotherapy drugs. Paying attention to early warning signs of oesophageal cancer could make all the difference. While common symptoms like heartburn or a hoarse voice are often harmless, persistent or worsening issues deserve immediate attention.
