Esophageal Cancer- A Rare Malady

Esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach for getting digested. It is composed of a mucosal lining, submucosa, muscle tissue and an outer covering layer of cells. Esophegeal Cancer is the tumour that forms in tissues lining the esophagus. Esophageal cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, with some areas of the world having a markedly higher rate than others. Also, the prognosis of this form of cancer is poor since, by the time the first symptoms start manifesting, the cancer has already well progressed.

The two main types of esophageal cancer are,

Adenocarcinoma– This type is usually found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach. In the United States, adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer. It’s been increasing since the 1970s.
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Squamous cell carcinomas– This type is usually found in the upper part of the esophagus. This type is becoming less common among Americans. Around the world, however, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type

Risk factors

Age 65 or greater
Male sex
Smoking
Heavy drinking
A diet poor in fruits and vegetables
Obesity
Barrett’s esophagus
Acid reflux

Common Symptoms

Food getting stuck in the esophagus and vomiting
Pain while swallowing
Chest and/or back pain
Heartburn
Weight loss
A hoarse voice
Chronic coughing (one that doesn’t go away within 2 weeks)
Blood in stools

The Fatal Connection

It has been observed that by limiting the incidents of acid reflux esophageal cancer can possibly be prevented. Acid Reflux is a condition in which stomach acids rise up into the esophagus because the valve that separates the stomach contents from the esophagus is faulty. Acid reflux caused in the stomach can destroy the cell lining of the esophagus resulting in barrett’s esophagus leading to esophageal cancer. Some common causes of acid reflux are,

Pregnancy
Large meals and eating habits
Hiatus hernia (hiatal hernia)
Peptic ulcers and insufficient digestive enzymes
Asthma

Doctors suggest that people, who feel that they are susceptible to acid reflux need to eat smaller meals, walk after consuming meals, make use of antacids regularly, avoid reclining immediately after eating, have meals at least five hours before going to sleep and most importantly, avoid foods which can cause irritation of the digestive system such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and spices and condiments. Meditation and yoga can reduce the incidence of acid reflux.

Diagnosis

Some possible treatment options are surgery, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy and other alternative methods. Doctors may order one or more of the following staging tests to detect esophageal cancer and/or acid reflux,

Endoscopic ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI
PET Scan
Bone Scan
Lacroscopy
Barium swallow
Endoscopy
Biopsy

If the biopsy shows that you have cancer, your doctor needs to learn the extent (stage) of the disease to help you choose the best treatment.

“Cancer has an Answer” – Yuvraj and Manisha

The beautiful Manisha Koirala and one of India’s leading cricketers’ Yuvraj Singh came together in Kolkata to create awareness and fight against cancer. “If we can, you can” is what they said. Being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of the road.

Manisha Koirala- The Cancer Crusader

Manisha refuses to be just a “survivor”. She is a cancer crusader since “A crusader has the attitude which gives you strength, because that is what you need when you are fighting a disease, which may be cancer or some other thing”.
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The 43 year old actress was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. While recovering, there were times when her body would hurt so much that she would collapse in her bed. Today, even if she wants to conveniently forget about the tough times, it’s never easy.

She looks forward to losing some weight by training well, being on a healthy diet and doing yoga as well.

The Yuvraj Singh Cancer Story

“When you hear the word cancer for the first time you really get scared. Cancer. It is like a death sentence.” -Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj was on the top of the world in 2011, having a lion’s share in the country’s victory and bagging the World Cup. His performance in the series was exemplary and he was even adjudged the Player of the Series. He seemed to have it all, before the age of 30. So it came as quite a shock when the aggressive southpaw was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour. Life stood still for Yuvi and his past flashed before his eyes.

What did Yuvraj suffer from?

Yuvraj was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, a malignant tumour between his lung and heart known as seminoma. A seminoma is a kind of tumour usually found on the male reproductive organ.

Life after Cancer

Yuvraj Singh is a living, breathing testament of the fact that cancer is not the end of life as he powered India to a brilliant six-wicket win over Australia in the Twenty20 International at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium just eight months after finishing his treatment in the United States. The southpaw slammed an unbeaten 77 off 35 balls taking the team further toward victory. Declared the Man of the Match, he slammed eight boundaries and five sixes in the innings and had a strike rate of 220.

The cricketer has become one of the leading voices against cancer awareness, highlighting the battle in his book, The Test of My Life.

The life-altering experience has changed the goals of the flamboyant cricketer, who says that before cancer all his thoughts revolved around his career. “Now I am just happy to breathe again and eat food normally,” he said.

Not many elite sportsmen struck down in their prime by cancer recover sufficiently to return to the highest level, but Yuvraj Singh definitely did.

“The strength to fight against the disease comes from within; your family, friends and well-wishers.” said the 31 year old.

Prevention is better than Cure

Cancer has always been the gravest and most dreaded of all diseases & rightly so. For ages, little has been known about the precise reasons that cause cancer & whatever is known about its prevention is still evolving. It is as good as the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named of the medical world! Rather than going through the ordeal of being diagnosed and then trying to cure a cancer, it is better to lead a lifestyle which can aid its prevention.

The lifestyle choices that are widely known increase the risk of the growth of cancer are,

Lack of Exercise

There is a link between obesity and many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol use is a risk factor for many cancer types including cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast. Research consistently shows that drinking alcoholic beverages increases a woman’s risk of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. It also may increase breast cancer risk by damaging DNA in cells.

Tobacco use

Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas.

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Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and in particular solar radiation, is carcinogenic to humans, causing all major types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.

Infections

Viral hepatitis B and C cause cancer of the liver; human papilloma virus infection causes cervical cancer; the bacterium Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer. The parasitic infection schistosomiasis increases the risk of bladder cancer.

In short, a healthy lifestyle can considerably reduce the chances of development of cancer.

Better Safe than Sorry.

Exercising and diet

Regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, will considerably reduce cancer risk. For substantial health benefits, indulge in 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous physical activity. Diets high in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect against many cancers. Conversely, excess consumption of red and preserved meat may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Quit Tobacco & Alcohol

Ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other strategies for quitting.

Protect yourself from the sun

One should avoid the midday sun by wearing hats, covering exposed areas and using sunscreens.

Immunization

Cancer prevention includes protection (vaccinations for) from infections like Hepatitis B (liver cancer), Human papillomavirus (HPV).

Regular checkups

Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.

Taking cancer prevention into your own hands, starting today will deliver rewards which will last a lifetime!

Alcohol can mean increased risks of cancer!

Doctors and health professionals have always suggested and emphasised on low or no alcohol and tobacco consumption. A recent research has found out that alcohol consumption apart from other diseases also increases the risk of certain cancer in the body. Studies have found out that alcohol consumption can cause certain cancers in the body. They are-

Head and neck cancer:

Head and neck cancers are likely to happen for those who consume alcohol; particularly cancers of the oral cavity (excluding the lips), pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box) .Consumption of 50 or more grams of alcohol can increase the risk of cancer twice as compared to those who don’t consume alcohol. Moreover, the risks of these cancers are substantially higher among persons who consume this amount of alcohol and also use tobacco.
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Oesophageal cancer: Major risk factor for oesophageal cancer is alcohol consumption. Additionally, people with enzyme deficiency and alcohol consumption inherit increased risk of alcohol-related oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Liver cancer: Alcohol consumption is an independent risk factor and a primary cause of liver cancer. Other major causes of liver cancer are Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus.

Breast cancer: Studies have found an increase in the risk of breast cancer for those who consume more alcohol. A meta-analysis of 53 of these studies (which included a total of 58,000 women with breast cancer) showed that women who drank more than 45 grams of alcohol per day (approximately three drinks) had 1.5 times the risk of developing breast cancer as non drinkers (a modestly increased risk) . The risk of breast cancer was higher across all levels of alcohol intake: for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day (slightly less than one drink), researchers observed a small (7 percent) increase in the risk of breast cancer.

Colorectal cancer: Alcohol consumption is associated with a modestly increased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum. A meta-analysis of 57 cohort and case-control studies that examined the association between alcohol consumption and colorectal cancer risk showed that people who regularly drank 50 or more grams of alcohol per day (approximately 3.5 drinks) had 1.5 times the risk of developing colorectal cancer as non drinkers or occasional drinkers . For every 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day, there was a small (7 percent) increase in the risk of colorectal cancer.

People who consume tobacco also have high risk of mouth cancer but the combination of alcohol and tobacco is more risky and dangerous as compared to single consumption of alcohol. Researchers have found out that people who consume both alcohol and tobacco have high risk of developing oral cavity larynx and oesophagus cancer. The risk associated is double for those who consume both alcohol and tobacco.

Hence it is advised to completely stop tobacco consumption and lower the consumption of alcohol to a level that it does not increase the risk of cancer in the body. Studies suggest that some alcohol consumption is good for the body but taking it in the right way is very important.

Health and you-The strong cancer survivors!

Once you have been treated from cancer, it is important for you to return to good health and recover in such a way that you could enjoy the years ahead being fit and healthy. Recommendations for cancer survivors are same as for the people with other problems or persons who want to regain their lost health. Basic health habits like exercise, balanced diet, maintain healthy weight avoiding tobacco and other alcoholic habits should be followed. But for cancer survivors, these strategies have added benefits. These simple steps can improve your quality of life, smoothing your transition into survivor-ship.

Here are some things you need to follow after cancer treatment-

Exercise
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Exercising regularly will increase your speed of recovery and regain the strength and endurance. It is very important for cancer survivors to exercise regularly so that you don’t get back to depression or other signs and symptoms. Exercise will not only help you physically but mentally as well. You will notice the boost of self esteem and anxiety. Focus on small steps and make your life active. You can also join an exercise program but only with the consultation of a doctor or medical professional. More you exercise better you will feel. According to the American cancer society exercise for 30 minutes for five days will help cancer survivors to recover soon.

Eat a balanced diet

It is important to add lots of variety to your food. American cancer centre recommends cancer survivors to

•Every day consume five servings or more of fruits and vegetables.

•Avoid saturated fats and consume healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids.

•consume Select such as fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes which have more proteins and less saturated fat.

•Opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables

Combination of such foods will ensure plenty of nutrients and vitamins in your body and help you make strong. Also it is better to consult a health expert who will guide you to consume particular foods that are right for your treatment. As every cancer survivor would need different kinds of nutrients to regain body health. So it is better to consult a health professional and be sure of what you are consuming.

Maintain a healthy weight

It is important to get your weight at a healthy level as you might have gained or lost weight during your treatment. Again talking to a doctor will be the best advice. For cancer survivors who need to gain weight, this will likely involve coming up with ways to make food more appealing and easier to eat.Talk to a dietician and prepare a list of foods that are healthy for you and also appealing to consume, It is important to not only eat good nutrients but also enjoy it. This will make you healthy in a happy way. For cancer survivors who need to lose weight, take steps to lose weight slowly — no more than 2 pounds (about 1 kilogram) a week. Control the number of calories you eat and balance this with exercise. If you need to lose a lot of weight, it can seem daunting.

The most important thing to keep in mind is slowly adopt these changes. Your body is weak at this time and will slowly recover. So don’t be in a hurry and be calm and steady.