No goldfish at the bottom of the cup? Alcoholism can lead to esophageal cancer

In recent years, the Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery at Tainan Municipal Hospital has found that among 33 patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery, nearly 90% had a long-term drinking habit, and some even drank 1 to 2 bottles of sorghum wine every day. Doctors say that although esophageal cancer is very scary, it is actually not difficult to prevent. The only way to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer is to improve diet, manage weight, and quit bad habits such as drinking and smoking.

The number of patients with esophageal cancer has increased significantly in recent years. Studies have found that long-term alcoholism, smoking, and obesity are risk factors for cancer.

Dr. Wu Minghe of the Department of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery at Taipei City Hospital pointed out that there are many factors that cause esophageal cancer, but nearly 90% of esophageal cancer patients who have been treated have a long-term drinking habit, especially higher concentrations of alcohol, which are more irritating to the throat and esophagus. Occasional drinking is harmless, but frequent drinking or alcohol addiction can easily increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

The outpatient clinic once admitted a 57-year-old middle-aged man who had been drinking at least 150cc of sorghum wine and smoking one and a half packs of cigarettes every day for more than 30 years. In early February this year, he felt difficulty in swallowing, hiccups, choking, chest pain, and weight loss. He came to the Nanshi Medical Clinic, where esophageal cancer was discovered through a gastroesophagoscopy. He is currently undergoing surgery and is continuing treatment.

Esophageal cancer patients increase significantly

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, esophageal cancer ranked 9th among the top 10 causes of cancer death in 2012. Compared to 10 years ago, the mortality rates of oral cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, and female breast cancer have increased significantly. Therefore, esophageal cancer is a disease that Chinese people cannot ignore.

According to epidemiological research surveys, smokers and alcoholics are 44 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than non-smokers and non-drinkers. Frequent consumption of hot food at temperatures above 60°C or 70°C, which means a hot feeling when food enters the mouth, can cause long-term irritation to the esophagus and greatly increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Reduce animal protein intake

Clinical studies have found that excessive intake of animal protein can easily lead to esophageal cancer and gastric cancer. At present, Chinese people eat about 3 to 4 taels of meat per meal, which is equivalent to eating more than half a catty of meat every day. It is obvious that the intake of animal protein is generally excessive.

5 dietary tips to prevent esophageal cancer

Professor Wu Minghe emphasized that in order to prevent esophageal cancer, in addition to quitting smoking and drinking, a correct diet is also very important.

1. Eat less smoked food:

Do not eat moldy food and reduce the frequency of eating smoked food to avoid eating too many carcinogens; at the same time, eat less processed food containing nitrates, and when you eat, it is better to eat more natural foods rich in vitamin C, such as guava, kiwi, tangerines, oranges, grapefruits and other fruits.

2. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day:

It is best to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables are not only rich in vitamin C, but also contain many antioxidants such as β-carotene, vitamin E, and phytochemicals, which can prevent esophageal cancer. The daily configuration of 5 fruits and vegetables is based on 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits. You can eat more vegetables.

3. Be careful with hot food:

The temperature of food should be kept below 60℃, with the principle of not being too hot. Many people like to eat hot pot, mutton hotpot or spicy hotpot. Long-term consumption of too hot food can irritate the esophagus and easily lead to esophageal cancer. Therefore, it is best to put the ingredients in the hot pot aside and let them cool before eating.

4. Cook at low temperature and with less oil:

Cooking should be done at low temperature and with less oil. Taking stir-frying a dish of vegetables for 4 people as an example, you can reduce the amount of oil used to only half a tablespoon of oil. After stir-frying slightly, add water into the pot and cook over low heat. This low-temperature cooking method can also help reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.

5. Manage your weight:

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease or who are too obese are at high risk of esophageal cancer and should make adjustments to their diet. It is recommended to manage personal weight and maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24. The waist circumference of men should not exceed 90 cm, and the waist circumference of women should be maintained within 80 cm.