Pro Cancer Research Fund's (PCRF) Dr Umut Fahrioglu will write a weekly advice column on issues relating to cancer, how to prevent it, tell tell signs, screening and treatment.  Cancer strikes one in three people with the number set to rise to one in two by 2025. PCRF is a cancer charity that is proud to be helping Britain's 300,000 strong Turkish speaking communities. PCRF provides information and psychological support helping families and patients make better informed decisions.

Dr Umut Fahrioglu

Today we are going to talk about oesophageal cancer (cancer of the gullet). This is a relatively rare form of cancer when compared to breast and prostate cancer but it is becoming more and more common in the western society. Nearly 7600 people are diagnosed with it every year in the UK. Before we talk about oesophageal cancer let’s take a look at what it is. Oesophagus is a long muscular tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. In adults, it is about 30 cm (12 inches) and moves the food down to the stomach by rhythmically contracting. There are glands along the oesophagus that produce mucus that lubricates the tube and makes it easier to swallow the food. It is located behind your windpipe that allows you to breath.

This cancer occurs more commonly in older people (over the age of 60) and it is more common to see it in men than women. The exact cause of it is not known but people with a prolonged history of acid-reflux from their stomach are at higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer. This prolonged exposure to acid causes what is called a Barrett’s oesophagus in which abnormal cells develop at the lower end the oesophagus near the stomach.  These cells are not cancer but 1% of people with Barrett’s oesophagus continue to develop oesophageal cancer. It is also more common in smokers and people who drink a lot of alcohol or who have a poor diet (eating too much salt and fat and not enough fruits and vegetable).  It is also more common in people from far east and central Asia which suggests an environmental or diet related link. There are no  known genes that causes an increased risk for oesophageal cancer so it is less likely to be family linked. If there are more than one case of this cancer it families it might be environment or diet related.

The most common symptom is the feeling that the food is sticking on the way down to the stomach. There might be weight loss and pain in the back of the neck, behind the breast bone or between the shoulder blades. Coughing up blood, vomiting and chronic cough might also be a symptom. These symptoms might also be caused by other things so it is important to get them checked as soon as they appear. If you have any questions regarding cancer or wish to find out more about PCRF contact: pcrfund@btinternet.com