Obesity Increases Esophageal Cancer Risk :

A new Australian study has found that obese people are "six times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than people with healthy weight."

The researchers looked at 800 people with esophageal cancer and compared them to 1600 people who did not suffer from the disease.

Even when the researchers ruled out contributing factors to esophageal cancer such as heavy drinking and smoking, obesity was still found to be a major contributing factor for esophageal cancer risk.

Obesity (in this case) was defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.

The researchers hypothesized that elevated levels of fat may cause raised levels of both insulin and insulin-like growth factor. Higher levels of these hormones have been found to "stimulate cell growth and inhibit cell death -- conditions that can lead to cancer development".

Another possible cause for the elevated esophageal cancer risk is the strong link between GERD and obesity. GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, which is a chronic condition that involves the stomach regurgitating its acidic contents back up into the esophagus.

Over time, the stomach contents can cause cellular damage and inflammation to the esophagus lining, which in some cases can eventually lead to esophageal cancer.

GERD symptoms can occur in anyone, whether they have a weight issue or not, so be aware of the symptoms which include heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, unexplained cough or tickle in the throat and chest pain.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then please contact a physician for treatment.

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