5 Habits that Increase the Risk of Esophageal Cancer Among Many Vietnamese, Especially Habit Number 1, 2

If you have these habits, remember to quit immediately:

Eating too hot

Normally, the esophageal mucosa can withstand temperatures of 40 ℃ ~ 50 ℃, but Vietnamese people often eat very hot food over 65 degrees like Pho, rice vermicelli, soup, instant noodles. High temperatures can damage the mucosa, causing esophageal inflammation and ulcers. According to a warning in a report from the IARC center of the World Health Organization (WHO), drinking beverages hotter than 65 ℃ can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Repeatedly consuming hot water prevents the esophagus from repairing itself, gradually causing damage and cancer.

Eating hard and sharp foods

Eating hard foods can cause friction during swallowing, causing erosion of the esophageal mucosa. The harder the food, the more severe the consequences for the body. Foods such as meat, seafood, shrimp, crab with shells, if chewed too quickly without caution, can cause the esophagus to rupture or be slightly injured, gradually leading to inflammation, ulcers, and cancer.

Drinking excessive alcohol

Alcohol does not contain cancer-causing substances, but it is a stimulant that can cause damage to the esophageal mucosa, leading to cancer. Drinking strong alcohol poses an even higher risk. Another study revealed that about 60% of esophageal cancer patients are alcoholics. A study conducted by the University of Williams in Sweden showed that men over 45 who drink little or no alcohol have a 50% lower risk of esophageal cancer.

Eating salty and acidic foods

Salty foods like salted eggplant, pickled cucumbers are very attractive and indispensable in Vietnamese cuisine. However, a large amount of nitrite converted from nitrate in salty foods will increase the risk of cancer. The higher the nitrite content, the higher the risk of cancer. Experts believe that in areas where people have a preference for pickled cucumbers, salted fish, and salted processed animal products, there is an increased incidence of esophageal cancer.

Smoking

Tobacco affects the blood vessels throughout the body and directly harms the esophagus and lungs. The rate of esophageal cancer patients who smoke is over 80%. Studies have also shown that smokers are 8 to 10 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than non-smokers. When smoking, the chemicals in cigarettes directly affect the esophagus and weaken the muscle ring, causing food in the stomach to reflux, causing heartburn, and ulcers.

Signs of esophageal cancer

Difficulty swallowing: This is a very typical symptom, when eating and drinking, if you often have difficulty swallowing, be cautious. At first, you have difficulty swallowing hard food, but gradually you have difficulty swallowing even soft food. When swallowing saliva is also difficult and painful, that is when the disease is severe.

Excessive salivation: Frequent saliva flow accompanied by unpleasant breath, burping, regurgitation when eating and drinking is also a sign of esophageal cancer.

Weight loss: If your weight suddenly decreases rapidly, be aware of the cancer that is causing you to be weak.

Sore throat: You may feel a sore throat, persistent cough, and even coughing up blood. Other symptoms that may occur as the tumor develops include severe pain, a feeling of obstruction in the throat, difficulty breathing, chest congestion, hoarseness,…

5 ways to prevent esophageal cancer

– Quit smoking and drinking alcohol: Do not smoke, drink less alcohol, and do not chew betel nut.

– Do not eat too hot or too cold food: When eating and drinking, try to maintain a temperature below 50 degrees Celsius to ensure a cool throat.

– Eat healthy: Limit eating spoiled food, pickled food, or overnight food. Eat less fat and animal organs, reduce salt intake. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement the necessary vitamin C to prevent the synthesis of nitrosamines in the body. Absolutely avoid eating pickled vegetables, salty dishes, or leaving them for a long time.

– Practice chewing and swallowing slowly: The habit of chew chewing and slow swallowing is good for digestion and beneficial for the esophagus. Chewing thoroughly helps food to be easily swallowed and prevents esophageal damage.